I AM writing to thank Mr Geoff Tan for writing the wonderful commentary "Apply the brakes on life and savour the 'now'" (my paper, July 15).

It was an article that resonated with me and highlighted something that has been on my mind for a long time.

I was indeed taken aback when I read about the anecdote concerning Sweden, which he mentioned in the commentary.

How wonderful it would be if Singapore could say the same for itself. Sadly, this is but a dream.

I don't think many people would agree with what Mr Tan said about "applying the brakes".

Even if they do agree with him, they may not do anything about it.

Of all the people I have met, I have yet to come across someone, especially from the younger generation, who can appreciate the things around them.

Young people are always in a rush.

At first, it may seem like a difference in personality between the young and the not so- young, but when I thought about it, I felt that it was more a difference in mindset.

Perhaps this mindset is something people acquire with age. And perhaps this is the reason why my friends don't really see things the way I see them.

Not to mention that they call me boring.

It makes me wonder if I'm the one losing out because I'm not as ambitious as them, although I would like to think that it is their loss for not being able to fully experience life.

It is this "fast-forward mindset" that results in our being slaves to our ambitions, our desires and the many influences that are present in society today.

It is this mindset that causes us to lack empathy and graciousness.

Think of the most sincere people you know. Isn't it funny how you wouldn't associate them with the "fast-forward" group of people?

"Applying the brakes" breeds certain values that are gradually fading in today's world.

I hope Mr Tan's article will serve its purpose and that, hopefully, more people will be convinced by him.

I would really feel sad for a person who has achieved so much and yet does not know how to appreciate the finer things in life.

After all, material objects are only temporary, but our experiences are what constitute the value of our life.

I would like to thank Mr Tan for the thought-provoking commentary.

It reassured me that it is all right for a 21-year-old to have such thoughts about life.

Mr Kevin See Boon Yew


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