English Idioms: under the lucky stars
《英語口頭禪：紀元星輝》
The author recalls a pronouncement by a teacher in the church-school he attended upon his arrival in Australia, “Australia is God’s favoured country - we are guarded by a cross above our heads!” He was referring to a constellation in the southern hemisphere - the Southern Cross, which features on Australia’s flag. The teacher’s statement contained elements of patriotism and religious fervour, as well as superstition. The author thought it was remarkable.
The author agrees that in many ways, Australia is at least among the luckiest countries in the world – something to be thankful for.
Migrants are like children who enter a good home. They will naturally love their new home, particularly if there exists an atmosphere of harmony and if they feel welcomed. Such are not conditions of their love - they are the nourishment of their love.
Will our lucky stars ensure our well-being in the new millennium? In this book the author explores human attitudes and relations, and probes the source of our happiness.
作者初來澳洲時教會學校的一位老師曾這樣說：「澳洲是上帝特別眷顧的國土：天上有一個十字架拱照住我們呢！」他指的是南半球上空的南方十字星座(Southern Cross)， 澳洲國旗上也有著它作為標誌。老師的話，包含了愛國的情緒、宗教的意識及星相學的迷信於一身，作者感覺得很不尋常。
作者同意：從很多方面看：澳洲都是世界上最幸福的國家之一，值得慶慰。
移民就像一個進入了新家庭的孩子，他（她）會很自然地愛上這個家，特別是：如果家庭融洽，而他又感覺到受歡迎的話，這不是愛的條件，而是愛的培育。
幸運之星會在新紀元帶給世人互敬互愛的美好日子嗎？在這本書裏作者舉出一些待人接物及處事態度的例子，與讀者們探討幸福的根源。
