Savater has, in the end, related all we have read in the book with the word "hospitality".
I think this word is a gook summary of what being a real human being is.
Hospitality involves respect, treating people like people, helping others and so on.
In fact, I have just realized that by answering "you are welcome" to "thank you" you are showing hospitality, you are saying to this person that he/she should be comfortable in your space/home.
After reading the whole book, I can only ask myself: Have I been a real human being? Are my principles (or even my ethics) contradictory to my actions?
The only thing I can do is reflect on those actions, thinking twice and remembering which is my true self, what do I believe in and just follow what my heart and my mind (difficult but possible) tell me to do.
In my opinion, the best part of the book is how by not being selfish and helping others we help ourselves and make our lives better too.
I have learnt that the word "guest" is more than staying in a person´s property but also the hostess is a guest as well. We always need the hospitality of others because without them, we could not live.
So, BE A GOOD GUEST/HOSTESS TO BE A REAL HUMAN BEING!
10 años despues ante el nuevo milenio, Savater - Etica para Amador
1 comentario:
By reflecting on the connotations of the phrase "You're welcome", Romi, you've reminded us all that teaching a foreign language is a means of teaching a culture too... 8-D!!!
I'm glad you feel the book has helped you get to know yourself better, and must confess I feel a little proud for my small contribution to this experience of yours. Nevertheless, I can only hope you soon stop asking yourself such extreme questions such as "Am I a human being?", or I'll feel I've pushed you too far! ;-)
As you set off to strange (yet familiar) lands, I wish you the very best and hope you experience "hospitality" and many other enriching experiences!
All my love,
Gladys
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