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Following is the full text of a speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Donald Tsang, at the opening of the British Council's "Eye on Books" Literary Festival this evening (Wednesday):

Sir Andrew, ladies and gentlemen,

As you can see, my chosen book is the Book, The Bible. It holds the core beliefs of three major religions. It also has a fund of stories about the human condition.

It is quite remarkable how much remains unchanged after thousands of years. So many of the patterns of thought and views on life that we regard as unique to our modern times are reflected exactly in this Book.

Consider these thoughts:

A human being, however firm he stands, is but a puff of wind, his life but a passing shadow. (Psalm 39:5)

Wine maketh merry; but money answereth all things. (Ecclesiastes 10:19).

However, in case we become carried away:

Greed is a disgrace to a man, better be poor than a liar (Proverbs 19:22).

The borrower becomes the lender's slave (Proverbs 22:7).

And famously, from St Paul:

The lover of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10).

I assure all young readers that one of life's great experiences is the real thrill that comes from reading a good book. It is a never-ending joy that I strongly commend to you.

And whenever you think you are having a bad day, think of Job. Thank you.

End/Wednesday, September 23, 1998

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