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One Man’s Meat is another Man’s Poison
The other day I was listening to one of our local Talk Radio stations (Cape Talk), and the presenter was interviewing an expert in whiskey. They were discussing the different types of whiskies, the regional differences, history etc. During the programme, listeners could call in and ask questions. There were two callers that I found very interesting.
The first was quite distraught that they were discussing whiskey. She spoke about how her father used to drink a bottle of whiskey a day, how it destroyed himself, his marriage and his relationship with his children. As far as she was concerned, whiskey (and all alcohol) is evil and should be banned. She was disgusted that the merits of whiskey were being discussed on a radio station at all. I think that with her story you can well understand her feelings.
The second caller was quite different. She spoke about how her father always enjoyed a tot or two of whiskey. She very poignantly told us how she and her family shared a glass of her father’s favourite whiskey with him when he was on his death bed. He passed away drinking his favourite drink with the people that meant the most to him. It was a memory she will always treasure, and she spoke about how whiskey now always brings her happy memories of the times that she spent with her father.
What I found interesting is that both of these people were speaking about their fathers (who had both passed away) and about the same drink. Isn’t it amazing how two different people can have such contrasting stories (and feelings) about the same thing?
It really does show how clearly we are shaped by our reality, and by the events that happen around us.
It brings to mind all the old clichés: perception is reality, there are two sides to a coin, one man’s meat is another man’s poison etc. Perhaps the reason that they are clichés is because they are really a true reflection of real live, and of the seeming contradictions in life.
I am not sure if there is a lesson in this, except perhaps to realise that we are all different and are shaped by the world around us.
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Excellent point! Amazing how in just two consecutive calls, you get extreme points of view. I agree with your closing, let’s not think that our own opinions are hard-core fact. To each his (or her!) own opinion, with his or her own reasons. It’s the differneces in each of us that make this world so special.