The Discovery Of Slowness (Canons)

by Sten Nadolny

Almost more disquieting was the dissimilarity among human races, especially since opposites clashed in each one of them. Australian people supported themselves on canes and gazed slowly, but they could also grab fish out of a stream with their bare hands as quick as lightning. The Chinese held their bodies upright with effortless tension; they appeared so proud. Yet if one spoke to them they made many bows one after the other. The French were solemn and enthusiastic and wanted to change everything, yet they used an infinite amount of time preparing and consuming their meals. They loathed English cooking even when they were on the point of starving. John had seen this himself in Sydney. As for the Portuguese, they always thought of the next earthquake and built their houses accordingly. But their churches were constantly rebuilt in the greatest splendour in just the places where they had collapsed. And the English! They were full of love for their country, yet liked to travel as far away from it as possible.

Liked this passage that contrasts various cultures and is tongue-in-cheek about the confusion of humans about what they really want.

One of these days they’ll discover the world instead of improving it, and not forget what they already discovered.’