談論天氣是一項你可能在日常生活中很難避免的話題，不論我們是否樂於討論，無法否認它在我們的生活中扮演舉足輕重的角色，在西方國家談論天氣常常是開啟一個話題開端的手段，像是「你覺得天氣怎麼樣？」或是「你覺得天氣如何？」這種簡單的問題都可能成為話題是否能延續下去的因素，這類話題甚至可能會是一段商業關係的開始或結束，我們可以從對談中隱約了解對方是一個什麼樣性格的人。
在這類看似不重要但其實有它實質影響力的對話中，我們通常會巧妙性的將一些客套性的對話像是討論天氣、運動、交通等等的話題轉移到比較隱私的話題，夫妻朋友間的關係、政治傾向、宗教甚至金錢都是轉移話題後的選擇，在那個當下你的社經地位和教育就相對的重要，用詞不得體很難為你加分。美國人對於這種轉移話題的技巧相當拿手，通常和你混得稍微熟一點就開始談到「妳有沒有男友？」或是「你不會相信我去年賺進了多大把鈔票。」然而這些話題對於雙方之間的關係並無益處。
直到亨利八世前銀行和借款者收取利息都是不合法的，而這個政策仍在現今不少伊斯蘭教國家的營行施行，你只能透過其他方法償還你的債務，多半是像以物易物或是將動產及不動產折抵給銀行。而現今銀行系統的轉換使一些資本主義家展翅高飛，有些投機客不用產品及服務獲利，反而是用錢滾錢的方式將錢一直投入市場中牟取暴利，政府曾經試圖用稅賦企圖打壓這些人的獲利，然而在掌握權力的人大多數也參雜這這些人的情況下常常徒勞無功。現任羅馬天主教會教宗方濟各在一份講述氣候變遷的教宗通諭（指教宗寫給整個教會的牧函）中提到：「經濟體系的核心人物至今仍掌控著世界，他們短視近利的出發點忽略了永續發展，更不用提到他們對環境有多在乎，我們了解環境被破壞及日後必須付出的代價是環環相扣的，但許多人仍被蒙蔽著雙眼拒絕承認錯誤。因此，脆弱的環境總有一天會在被錯誤神格化的這個市場價值底下傷得體無完膚。」他在聲明中將矛頭指向資本主義者及放任這種行為的消費主義。我認為教宗是站在道德立場表達想法，所以他想傳達的訊息是直接透明的，就要看我們每個人是否能接受這番論調。
The weather is one of those phenomena that you can never quite get away from and, I think you will agree, it plays a disproportionate role in our lives, whether we joyously embrace it or not. We mostly have a love-hate relationship with the elements. In Western countries it ignites many conversations. The question, “What do you think of the weather?” or “How do you like the weather?” can be a determining factor in whether you continue the conversation or not. It could even, more tellingly, be the beginning or the termination of any budding business relationship. The ear constantly listens for the indication of a positive or a negative personality – hence the apologist. “I am sorry that the order was delayed, the weather has been terrible: I will see what I can do.” Or, the pro-active problem solver: “The typhoon has just ended; I will get right on it!” Which financial partner would you choose?
In small talk, which is actually “big talk,” we are always instructed “formally” to initially discuss the weather, sports and traffic or movement: the traffic was heavy today, etc. Later we can move on to “informal” small talk and discuss relationships, politics, religion and (usually never) money. (1) It is here that your social status and education are fully revealed. It is hard to sound intelligent when your diction and vocabulary indicate your position in society. The Americans are particularly adept at quickly moving from formal to informal talk, wherein they discuss relationships, “Do you have a boyfriend?” through religion and politics to money, “You won’t believe how much I made last year!” This is, however, mostly just nervous hyperbole.
Now the discussion of lucre is an interesting one because up until Henry the VIII (1491-1547) changed the banking rules, (2) it was illegal to charge interest: Islamic banks have continued this practice to this very day. (3) Repayment took the form of a piece of the profits (from the harvest or from the voyage) or something more physical: a piece of land, a flock of fowl, etc. The financial system was more akin to a barter system. The regulation and codification of the banking system allowed incipient capitalism to “spread its wings.” Money quickly made money on money, not necessarily through the selling of goods and services. Governments have attempted to regulate this excess profit through taxation. They have, historically, almost always failed because the rich themselves dominate most of these institutions. (4) Pope Francis (b. 1936), the Roman Catholic Pope, has just made an impassioned plea that addresses the scourge of climate change (hence the weather) in his newest encyclical entitled Laudato Si’, mi’ Signore — Praise be to you, my Lord: “… economic powers continue to justify the current global system where priority tends to be given to speculation and the pursuit of financial gain, which fail to take the context into account, let alone the effects on human dignity and the natural environment. Here we see how environmental deterioration and human and ethical degradation are closely linked. Many people will deny doing anything wrong because distractions constantly dull our consciousness of just how limited and finite our world really is. As a result, whatever is fragile, like the environment, is defenseless before the interests of a deified market, which become the only rule.” (4) In his paper he clearly places the environmental blame on profligate capitalism and unbridled consumerism. What is encouraging about this piece, in my estimation, is that the Pope can speak with moral authority devoid of political influence or an upcoming election. In this context his message is pure: it is up to each individual to accept it or not. Canadian architect and urban planner Arthur Erickson (1924-2009) leaves us with a thought: Bankers cannot afford to be concerned with only the economic aspects of projects. There may be serious implications on the natural environment, the urban environment, on human culture.
A small joke: A little girl was lost, so she went up to a policeman and said, I’ve lost my Mom!?” The officer inquired, “What’s she like? The little girl replied, She likes shopping and talking, and talking!”
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Quote: We all feel bonded to the environment: the concrete cities that most of us live in are not comforting to the soul. We all long for the peace and tranquility of the outdoors. The Green Movement will change how we see our relationship with nature.
Footnotes:
1) Small talk
2) The pivotal change in the English-speaking world came with the lawful right to charge interest on lent money, in particular the 1545 Act, “An Act Against Usurie” promulgated by King Henry VIII of England.
5) m.vatican.va