The paradox of the Filipino finds a beautiful parable in the ways of the bamboo. A pliant, graceful and weak looking tree, the bamboo, in its seeming weakness and pliancy, shows its very strength against all the typhoons that threaten to batter and uproot it. In bending to and giving way to the winds, it asserts its stand and resistance, in submitting and surrendering to the typhoons, it survives and overcomes.
2007-03-09 20:24:10 · 9 answers · asked by John Gilbert F 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
But the bamboo falls to a knife, where are large tree would not.
There are many places in this world where bamboo doesn't survive. Places where the strong, unbending Oak tree survives even as the bamboo does not.
So the parable is more about the success of a specialized trait in the face of a limited force, and it would be misleading to regard it as a general philosophy of life.
2007-03-09 20:41:17 · answer #1 · answered by freebird 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A very poetic analogy. I've always loved bamboo. I suppose that sometimes bending and being (com)pliant is necessary for survival. I tend to be more confrontational. I stand up for what I think is right but I may be knocked down by angry forces. Perhaps if I was more accomodating I'd get along better in the world. It's hard to view quiet submission as a kind of strength but as they say, the meek shall inherit the earth...
2007-03-10 06:43:24 · answer #2 · answered by amp 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Love it..
Sometimes to win you got to lose..
In fact, the idea is probably the idea
that's mentioned the most in the bible...
You must give up your life to win it..
There are so many things that you can
relate to this parable..
Like if someone wants to fight,
you be the bigger man and don't..
but in the eyes of many you will
have surrendered in a way..
but you have overcome something
much better, pride..
So the bamboo, to survive gives
into the winds, and lets it win..
but in the end the wind is somewhere else...
and the bamboo is still there.
I don't have many answers,
in fact... a lot of the time I don't know
what I'm talking about..
but I thought I'd share my view :)
2007-03-10 04:37:58 · answer #3 · answered by Hattrick07 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I picked it up as wise advice. People are stronger than how they appear. The graceful and/or weak looking looks like they can't defend themself. But, when hard things come their way they stand through it. They are stronger than they look and pushing harder keeps them where they are. When they see that they should go the side lines and let things out of their hands take their own course (bend and give way to the wind) they still hold their ground even if theyre not fighting the fight. So, if you know when to fight and when to hold back, you'll come out on top. Hey, thats what I do. Sweet, I'm bamboo
2007-03-10 14:36:00 · answer #4 · answered by angel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pliability and ability to bend are indeed positive qualities for survival and politicians need these in considerable measure... however, a lot of us would be more interested in standing up against and fighting injustice rather than merely survive by bending before it. All sorts of people make the world.
PS.... I am purposely giving a counter-view knowing well enough how politeness and flexibility are considered priceless virtues.
The truth is that everything is relative to the specific context.
2007-03-10 04:33:14 · answer #5 · answered by small 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The irony behind being a Filipino is that we seem to be very weak in appearance but dwell much deeper inside us and you’ll know how strong we can be. Physically we are not demeaning the thought of being strong and well-built and having a good physique. The thought is how strong our hearts can be and even get stronger in times we need strength in inner self. Our strength is deeply embedded within us, and that’s humility. We don’t presumably and abruptly show ourselves but when circumstances of times we need it, we go to the point that we really need to be strong.
---rc vagilidad. et al. beldia
2007-03-13 09:25:35 · answer #6 · answered by pircano_ffxi 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Flexibility is very important.... Do not try to bend the spoon, instead realize the truth, that there is no spoon.
2007-03-10 09:50:50 · answer #7 · answered by Alex 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"It generally happens that assurance keeps an even pace with ability; and fear of miscarriage, which hinders our first attempts, is gradually dissipated as our skill advances towards certainty of success."
2007-03-10 04:27:41 · answer #8 · answered by JJ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
...have you been looking thru those 3D glasses again...?
2007-03-10 04:33:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋