What Piece of Work is Man…

Yesterday…

…My friend Jack reminded me of Hamlet. Despairing, feeling hopeless, disillusioned with the world, humanity and his own life Hamlet says:

What a piece of work is a man, how noble in
reason, how infinite in faculties, in form and moving
how express and admirable; in action how like
an angel, in apprehension how like a god: the
beauty of the world, the paragon of animals—and
yet, to me, what is this quintessence of dust? Man
delights not me, no, nor women neither…

Hamlet sees how good and noble man can be, yet he has no joy, can see no meaning in life and feels insignificant. Jack’s been through tough times of hopeless despair…

…I had my hair cut. There’s always a pleasant atmosphere and cheerful banter in Mark’s salon. Yesterday he was talking about customers who make his life unpleasant – those with really dirty hair, personal hygiene issues, beards with porridge in them, moustaches when men have a cold…

To Mark these folks are not noble or admirable.

…I met Nick. He told me how badly his employer George had treated him. He was sick and George had given him a hard time and eventually he had to leave.

I also know George who tells the story very differently. George had helped and supported Nick who took advantage of his kindness and generosity.

Neither see the other as angelic or like a god.

…I saw the Facebook page of Red Oak, a local primary school.

There was Cloie who’s achieved her Level 3 for gymnastics, her 200m distance swimming award and a distinction in her dancing exam… goalkeeper Parker has been playing football for the Norwich City FC Academy… Role model Year 6 Junior Sports Leaders, have supported staff with running the North Suffolk Schools’ Skittleball Championships… children enjoying world book day…

The list continued…

The depressing world of Jack and Hamlet, Mark and dirty customers, Nick and George… was balanced by the world of good children and good teachers where people are noble and admirable.

The depressing world of Jack and Hamlet, Mark and dirty customers, Nick and George… was balanced by the world of good children and good teachers where people are noble and admirable.