Ten things to learn from the tragedy in Japan.
1. THE CALM
Not a single visual of chest-beating or wild grief. Sorrow itself has been elevated.
2. THE DIGNITY
Disciplined queues for water and groceries. Not a rough word or a crude gesture.
3. THE AVAILABILITY
The incredible architects. The buildings swayed but didnโt fall.
4. THE GRACE
People bought only what they needed for the present, so everybody could get something.
5. THE ORDER
No looting in shops. No honking and no-overtaking on the roads. Just understanding.
6. THE SACRIFICE
Fifty workers stayed back to pump sea water in the N-reactors. A fire fighter rang a hand bell in defiance of the tsunami until he was swept out to sea. How will they ever be repaid?
7. THE TENDERNESS
Restaurants cut prices. An unguarded ATM is left alone. The
strong cared for the weak.
8. THE TRAINING
The old and the children, everyone knew what to do. And they did just that.
9. THE MEDIA
They showed magnificent restraint in the news bulletins. No silly reporters. Only calm reportage.
10. THE CONSCIENCE
When the power went off in a store, people put things back on the shelves and left quietly.
1. THE CALM
Not a single visual of chest-beating or wild grief. Sorrow itself has been elevated.
2. THE DIGNITY
Disciplined queues for water and groceries. Not a rough word or a crude gesture.
3. THE AVAILABILITY
The incredible architects. The buildings swayed but didnโt fall.
4. THE GRACE
People bought only what they needed for the present, so everybody could get something.
5. THE ORDER
No looting in shops. No honking and no-overtaking on the roads. Just understanding.
6. THE SACRIFICE
Fifty workers stayed back to pump sea water in the N-reactors. A fire fighter rang a hand bell in defiance of the tsunami until he was swept out to sea. How will they ever be repaid?
7. THE TENDERNESS
Restaurants cut prices. An unguarded ATM is left alone. The
strong cared for the weak.
8. THE TRAINING
The old and the children, everyone knew what to do. And they did just that.
9. THE MEDIA
They showed magnificent restraint in the news bulletins. No silly reporters. Only calm reportage.
10. THE CONSCIENCE
When the power went off in a store, people put things back on the shelves and left quietly.