When asked whether the cup is half full or half empty, what would you say? I remember not so long ago, it was better to be optimistic, and everyone seemed to talk about the secret of positive thinking being part of the formula for success.
However, a lot has changed. Hong Kong has braved the storm of one of our longest and most depressing recessions. The price of our properties went downhill faster than we could say 'hold on'. After the Asian 'flu' [the financial crisis], we had bird flu, followed by what was our biggest public-health crisis in recent history.
It seemed that overnight, Sars turned Hong Kong into a depressing ghost town. The vibrant, busy streets were replaced with gloom, and smiles with masks. Public discontent brewed every time the government failed to deliver. Even its project to relaunch Hong Kong ended up being a very careless mistake. Hong Kong's social fabric has weakened, and all the political disagreements in recent months have only exacerbated the problem. There seems to be less chance for social accord, and the dividing gaps within society have turned into gulfs.
All the arguments, anger and resentment may have pointed to, but cannot possible solve, the fact that life in Hong Kong is harsh. Quality of life seems like a thing of the past. Getting food on the table is a primary concern - there is no discussing luxuries now. I understand many are disappointed, given that universal suffrage in 2007 and 2008 has been ruled out. Doom-and-gloom articles in the local and international media have not helped.
It is easy to see why the glass seems half empty. Personally, I am tired of seeing the half-empty glass, though. What has happened to Hong Kong's old fighting spirit? It is much easier to blame external factors for extinguishing the fire of our hallmark 'can-do' spirit. But we have succeeded before in making Hong Kong a place we are proud to call home. We were best known for our resolve and our magic in 'making things happen'. Are we really incapable of getting that back?
Tang Siu-pun, a 34-year-old quadriplegic known as Ah Pun, proved that we still have it in us. He went from wanting to end his life to courageously embracing it, with all its challenges, proving an inspiration to us all. Mr Tang's initial plea to die triggered a little something in all of us - the overwhelming response shows hints of that old Hong Kong spirit. By choosing to live, he has given Hong Kong a crucial lesson in not giving up.