1. THE CALM
Not a single visual of chest-beating or wild grief. Sorrow itself has been
elevated.
2. THE DIGNITY
Disciplined queues for water and groceries. Not a rough word or a crude
gesture.
3. THE ABILITY
The incredible architects, for instance. Buildings swayed but didn't fall.
4. THE GRACE
People bought only what they needed for the present, so everybody could get
something.
5. THE ORDER
No looting in shops. No honking and no overtaking on the roads. Just
understanding.
6. THE SACRIFICE
Fifty workers stayed back to pump sea water in the N-reactors. How will they
ever be repaid?
7. THE TENDERNESS
Restaurants cut prices. An unguarded ATM is left alone. The strong cared for
the weak.
8. THE TRAINING
The old and the children, everyone knew exactly what to do. And they did
just that.
9. THE MEDIA
They showed magnificent restraint in the bulletins. No silly reporters. Only
calm reportage.
10. THE CONSCIENCE
When the power went off in a store, people put things back on the shelves
and left quietly
source: e-mail
