Daddy, May I Ask You a Question?|爸，你有空吗？

Daddy, May I Ask You a Question?

by Dr. William Ryan

Sometimes work gets in the way of what's really important.

　　Most of us here in Taiwan spend the lion's share of our waking hours toiling at our occupations. This type of behavior is almost universally considered to be virtuous and is admonished, perhaps, only by psychologists. A strong work ethic has always been associated with a strong society. Lest we forget, it is vitally important to physical and mental health that we maintain adequate balance between work and play, between career and family. Most, unfortunately, pay mere lip service to this idea. Recently, the point was driven home to me in a way that I will never forget.

　　One day recently as I arrived home from work late and tired, I noticed my five-year-old son waiting for me at the door. He immediately asked me the amount of my hourly salary. Although his question irritated me, I calmly explained that it is quite impolite to ask this question. He persisted in asking it again, but I was firm in my position. Later, when my emotions receded, I went calmly into his room and asked the reason for his off-the-wall question. The answer was as unconventional as the question. My son said he wanted to buy an hour of my time. I immediately understood his meaning and was devastated. I put my arms around my little boy as I begged for his forgiveness. Then, I vowed from that day forward to spend more time with my family. Life is too short to neglect the people you love the most.

     1.     What is the main idea of the article?

(A) People should give up their office jobs and work at home.

(B) People usually do not spend enough time working.

(C) People often place work above family.

(D) Society depends on workers for physical and mental balance.

     2.     What do psychologists say about the importance of work and family?

(A) Time spent on family and leisure activities is overrated.

(B) Time spent on family and leisure activities is very important.

(C) Time spent by most families on leisure activities is generally adequate.

(D) Time spent by most families on leisure activities is often excessive.

     3.     Why did the little boy want to know how much money his father makes?

(A) To decide if he should choose the same occupation as his father.

(B) To know if the family was rich or poor.

(C) To know if he could afford to buy an hour of his father's time.

(D) To know how much he would make when he grew up.

     4.     What is the moral of the story?

(A) Kids say the strangest things sometimes.

(B) Children are the shining light of the future.

(C) Working hard equals getting rich.

(D) Family is more important than work.

爸，你有空吗？

有时工作会阻碍了真正重要的事。

　　在台湾绝大多数人醒着时多半都忙着工作。几乎所有人都认为这种行为是正当的，可能只有心理学家会将它视为警讯。良好的职业道德总是和完善的社会联想在一起。不要忘记，在工作与玩乐以及事业与家庭之间保持适度的平衡，这对我们的身心健康极为重要。很可惜，大多数的人对这个观念都只是说说而已。最近，这个观念深植我心，过程令我难以忘怀。

　　最近某一天，当我工作到很晚，拖着疲惫的身体回到家，我发现我那 5 岁大的儿子正在门口等我。他一看到我便立刻问我 1 小时的薪水有多少。虽然他的问题让我很不愉快，但我仍然很冷静地向他解释问这个问题是很没礼貌的。他执意又问了一遍，但我仍然坚持我的立场。随后，当我的情绪缓和下来，我很冷静地走进他的房间，问他为什么要问这个奇怪的问题。结果他的答案和问题一样一反常规。我儿子说要向我买 1 小时的时间。我立刻就了解他的意思，这让我为之心碎。我紧拥着我的儿子，祈求他的原谅。从那天起，我发誓要花更多的时间陪伴家人。人生太短暂，千万别忽略了你最深爱的人啊。

答案： 1.   C   2.   B   3.   C   4.   D

 

　　过劳死（karoshi）源自日语，是一种职业性的突然死亡，因工作过度致死。其原因为压力引起的心脏病发作，或是长期疲倦所导致的中风致死。第一宗有纪录的过劳死个案发生于日本，一名工作在日本最大的报纸公司 29 岁的海外运输部男员工，在他工作期间突然中风身亡。事件最初不为大众所留意，直到 1980 年代泡沫经济破灭，同公司几位较高职位的行政人员正值壮年，却在没有明显疾病的情况下猝死。当地传媒马上针对事件报导，并很快把这种现象称为『过劳死』。在 1987 年，由于过劳死现象受到大众的广泛关注，日本劳动省不得不就因工作猝死的人数作出统计。（数据源：维基百科）