“Over the centuries Chinese peasants have never had any control over the circumstances of their lives. Often acts of God, but more commonly acts of man, have completely disrupted any attempt to lead a rational and normal existence. Hard work seldom reaps its just rewards or even put sufficient rice into the family bowl to prevent them from starving. Luck is everything. The throw of the dice or the spinning of the wheel is a better bet in the peasant’s mind than a well contoured rice paddy and a reliable ox. It is for this reason that the Chinese are inveterate gamblers. It is not that they believe the odds will favour them, but that the odds against them are already insurmountable.”
Bryce Courtenay, “Brother Fish”, 2004
A Bird's Eye View of Fashion, Food, Travel, Culture, Beverage and Curiosity 