I have always had the habit of cleaning myself after training before boarding the bus, so that I would not be a source of discomfort for others. But if I really have no time to do so, I prefer to stand up rather than sit so that I would not leave my perspiration on the seat.

I was with my friend just now, and we were about to board the bus right after training. I did not clean myself up, so I was still perspiring when we were boarded the bus. As usual, I did not take a seat. When my friend asked me for the rationale of my actions, I explained it to him. However, he did not accept it. He simply said, "There is no such rule". Honestly, I reflected on my actions and I was actually quite convinced by his reply. It is true but there is no such rule that people who are dirty should not board public transport. But I thought again: Do our actions always have to be driven by rules?

I have always had this idea in my head: Follow the rules, and nothing wrong will happen to you. It has worked well, because I believe people with authority constructed rules with a reason: For people to follow. Being law abiding will not land you in trouble. However, I find being law abiding is not always the perfect way of living. I believe that we other than following the rules, it is important that we be at peace with others. This may not always be the best way to all situations, but I think that if we do not want to be someone who is known for doing the right things just for others to see and applaud, we have to start learning to consider the convenience of others and have a clear conscience at the same time.

The HBO miniseries of Band of Brothers was fantastic. To be honest, I was not all that hyped up about war films when we started out in class, but when I watched the first episode, I could not stop watching the rest. It deeply portrays the cruelty of war and but also brings out people who have leadership potential in the film, especially Major Richard Winters. I have actually bought the whole series, and I think I have already watched it twice over. Amongst all the shooting and the running and the bombing, valuable lessons can be learnt and I would like to share my thoughts about certain quotes in the show.

Firstly, there was a soldier, named Albert Blithe, who was deeply traumatised during his land on Normandy beach, and was afraid to face the enemy. His commander, lieutenant Speirs, told him that in order for him to be a good soldier, he had to have the "hope that he was already dead", then he would fight selflessly against the enemy "without compassion, without mercy, ...". I believe that during war, people are forced to lose their identity as a compassionate person, and would have to carry the burder of fighting their own human kind. I feel pity for Albert Blithe, but I believe that soldiers really have to prepare themselves mentally for warfare.

Secondly, Major Richard Winters, who is known as a hero of war, rejected the praises of others when they called him a hero. Instead, he humbly recalled an incident where his grandson asked him, "Grandpa, were you a hero of war?" Major Winters replied," No, but I served in a company of heroes". I admire his attitude and how he credits the effort of others for the success of the European Campaign. In fact, the soldiers in war would be heroes for fighting for their country.

Now, it is time for me to watch Saving Private Ryan