People

'The world could use a lot less people,' I said to Jo, looking at the passengers on the train.

He stared at me and went, 'what? Aren't you cruel to say that?'

'Well it's true, we're practically parasitic; and really, I don't much care about human beings.' I said with a shrug.

'You know, human race can be a parasitic one, but there are people out there who really deserve to live.'

'I know, I just feel that it's not such a big deal for people to die.' A passenger beside me moved away.

'People who have overcome war; overcome abuse in life; overcome serious injuries... They try so hard to live. Do you think they should have someone make such a comment about them?'

'Hmm.. when I said it's not such a big deal if some people dies, I'm really thinking about us as mere mammals, no different from the zebras in the Sahara, stray dogs on the street. As long as it's a natural death, I think it's okay.'

Jo rolled his eyes.

I laughed, and added, 'look, I'm not cruel. I know there are bloody strong folks out there and I admire them. I know what you are getting at. You are right about something.'

'About what?'

'Your point of view. It occurred to me after you mentioned those worthy homo-sapiens that I am too cynical about people. Or perhaps in general, instead of looking at the people who deserve life, I kept thinking about those who are simply existing and consuming.'

'Good, you got it.' He flashed a huge grin at me.

'I still don't care much about people though. We're too selfish and cruel most of the time, and ignorant too. You'd think more people would admire people who fought fiercely for life, but there are more people admiring apple products and Hermes bags.

'Well... that's too close to the truth. Ouch. Sometimes I feel we're too evolved for this society,' Jo said as we got off the train.