No work, no food

In Thailand people often use the phrase: no work, now food (mai mee ngaan, mai mee gin - ไม่มีงาน ไม่มีกิน). This phrase reflects a lot of the attitude of the people and there point of view about there daily work and life.

In Thailand people appreciate it, when they have work and they proud about it. For most people, work still means, that they'll be able to feed there family and buy the most important things they need for there daily life.

What is the purpose of work anyway? I think most people in the west forgot, why they work. I believe the main purpose of work is, that we are able to exist. If we don't eat and drink, we can't exist. Our body is (from a very simple point of view) like an engine, if there is no energy for the engine, it'll stop working. If we work, we are able to afford our life. This might sound strange, but isn't it like this?

I consider myself a very lucky person, since I grew up in a loving family and in a very well developed and rich country. But growing up in a very well developed and rich country can be a handicap too. In Switzerland many people don't learn to appriciate the most basic things and they think everything they have, is how it has to be. Most people in Switzerland don't have to deal with the question, if all there children will go to bed with a meal. Since people don't face this situations, there daily life reflects on there attitude in a different way.

So basically in Thailand it's not important if someone works for McDonald's, cooks in a street kitchen or is a taxi driver. The fact, that someone is working and is able to take care of him or herself and the family pays the tribute to the community.

I think most of the people in Switzerland would be able to learn a lot about attitude, if they would come here and spend some time with open eyes. I'm not talking about vacation, so there won't be a misunderstanding ;)

If you read so far, I'm very interested in your point of view... Thanks!