A civilization based on tea

Wenshan Baozhong, Shuixian cultivar

This summer, I read "Lord of the Flies" with my son. This book shows how kids and teenagers turn into violent savages after they were stranded on a desert island. The values of  civilized society are fragile and disappear all too quickly if we don't nurture them... I was reminded of this book this week as my Twitter feed had echoes of 'Kill the beast! Kill the beast!'. And while it's fine to argue with passion, what I witnessed is less a discussion than the affirmation that it's "us against them".

The nice thing about living in society instead of alone on an island is that we all specialize in what we do well and/or like. This enables us to give services to each other via money, which is much more efficient than trying to do everything ourselves. The cops are in charge of our security, the doctors take care of our health problems, the teachers teach the kids, the farmers provide vegetables, big companies sell complex products (cars, phones...)... I see the role of politicians to argue our ideas on our behalf and implement them if they win their election. Let them take the heat and become hated by half the country! This is their role and they are (pretty well) compensated for that. We, the non politicians, should try to get along with all the good people around us.

During tea class, Teaparker has very few rules: no cosmetics, no perfumes and no talk about politics. When we drink tea together, we wish to achieve a peaceful and happy state of mind. We also wish to share a common experience and treat others with the same respect we expect from them. Discussing political topics would divide us and create a nasty atmosphere. Enjoying a good tea, on the other hand, always brings us closer together! We feel gratitude and love for the nature and the men and women who have produced these leaves. And with our Chaxi, we feel a certain fulfillment, because we were able to express our feelings in an aesthetic and harmonious way.

Is it sunset or dawn for our civilization? I think it's time for tea!