The perspective of turning over a new leaf

[Shiori]

The English idiom "turning over a new leaf" represents a new start, a new change for the better.

The origins of this idiom dates back to the early days of printing in Europe. The pages of a book were known as "leaf" in those days. Hence, turning a new page of the book is akin to turning over to a new chapter and/or new page in life. The original idiom I believe was "turning over a new blank page" which evolved to "turning over a new leaf" in modern era.

From a different perspective, however, does turning over to a new page, blank page or a new leaf truly and honestly signifies a new beginning, a new start, a new change ?

Let us take a look from a book's perspective with the examples below.

- In a novel, flipping to a new page could display a new chapter or a continuation of the previous page

- In an encyclopedia or magazine, flipping to a new page could display a new topic or a continuation of the previous topic

- In a diary, flipping to a new page usually displays an empty blank page

In these three examples, what we can see is that despite flipping over to a new page of a book, regardless of its contents, the fundamental core has remained unchanged - the book itself. The pages of the book are from the same book, bound together on the same book spine with same book cover. What does it signifies ? It simply meant that any potential changes are of mere cosmestic nature, the fundamental core is something that is almost impossible to change.

Let us return to the modern times with turning over a new leaf. We have a leaf on one hand, an existing old leaf which we carry since birth. To turn over a new leaf, We have to pick up another leaf from the ground and turn it over, or we can just flip over the existing leaf. Question - Have we made any changes ? The answer is, the existing old leaf, which we carried since birth, represented our true original self, and have bound tightly with our hearts and souls, is still the same. Surely, we could throw away that existing old leaf and hold onto the new leaf, but that old leaf does not disappear into blank space. It still exist somewhere in the world. Therefore, the core fundamentals have not changed, as we merely made cosmetic changes by picking a new leaf that does not bind or have any connection with us.

While we do acknowledge there are rare exceptions, but for almost all scenarios, the core remains unchanged.

In conclusion, the perspective of "turning over a new leaf" or "turning over a new blank page" to signify a new change, a new start, a new beginning is fundamentally incorrect and inaccurate.

[default]

Hmmmm. Dunnno but this also got 1 saying in teochew

And quite applicable also

[Shiori]

Hmmmm. Dunnno but this also got 1 saying in teochew

And quite applicable also

Applicable in terms of "yes, will change" or "no, remain same" ?

[default]

Applicable in terms of "yes, will change" or "no, remain same" ?

more like flip over a new page and start anew

[Bardiel]

to me la. don feel negative ok.

turn over the new leaf is just actually use eraser/liquid paper/correction tape on the existing piece of paper nia.

no matter how u look at it sure got some "damage" done to the paper.

[Philipkee]

to me la. don feel negative ok.

turn over the new leaf is just actually use eraser/liquid paper/correction tape on the existing piece of paper nia.

no matter how u look at it sure got some "damage" done to the paper.

Think it's not "damage" but just "residue" meaning it's there but no harm done.

But it depends la.  If you were stingy and became generous by turning over a new leaf, it's ok.  If you were a reformed criminal, damage was done

[default]

掀过页.......

[Arctic]

Wah such a heavy topic

No right no wrong. Possible to change oneself, all depends on How determined that person is

[No guessing game]

Yes look at simonboy. Got teacher gf now

[Bardiel]

Yes look at simonboy. Got teacher gf now

era different. 1 successful case but dono how many failure case.

last time got follower sure end up at cantoment.

now fb insta all need follower lol

[default]

Yes look at simonboy. Got teacher gf now

i dislike him a lot tbh

[GhostZM]

Will come back to read this when I have insomnia..

Last time I turn left, turn right..Still can't fall asleep.


CheerS!!!😉

[Bardiel]

Will come back to read this when I have insomnia..

Last time I turn left, turn right..Still can't fall asleep.


CheerS!!!😉

maybe we need more sinkie pawn sinkie thread here so can cure ur insomnia and slp like a log 

[nyvrem]

if the leaf is rotten, no matter which side you turn, it's still rotten.

Also, everyone lies.

Source: Lincoln lawyer, Gregory House.

[Orionz]

Notch simple thrrads