Written and Images by Tinny Cheng
Translation by Wendy Yiu
A book is like a friend. We understand the world and life, or even observe ourselves through texts, and have a deep realization of oneself that we are not alone. PMQ invites different people from design and culture sectors to recommend a book, so that you can enrich yourselves as book therapy.
Why would you recommend this book?
Tinny Cheng:What is happiness? Some people gain happiness when dreams come true; some gain from contentment, some are happy as their children grow, under the epidemic times, good health is happiness.
Food photographer Benny Ng conducted a two-year self-financed shooting project and interviewed 50 elderly people from different walks of life over 80 years old: a 90-year-old Hong Kong first-generation photojournalist, a 96-year-old film hair stylist, a 87-year-old domestic servant, a 93-year-old missionary, and a pair of fishermen couple. They were asked the same question: "What is happiness?"
“80+ 快樂是……”
Author:吳華
In the young age of these elderly, most of the shops used film cameras. Benny held a 4-by-5-inch film camera, he visited various places in Hong Kong to take photos for them, and listened to their stories. It is then compiled into a collection of photographic memories, and the proceeds from the purchase went to the elderly and disadvantaged in need.
"What is happiness?" is a philosophical topic. Under the epidemic, we might be depressed and lost. But we can also have a life lesson from the wise and mature people. So what is the most important thing in life? Do you have the answer now?