The Special or The Constant?

This afternoon, while savoring a warm bowl of instant noodles with egg, my mind wandered to an intriguing question I once came across on Quora: “If you had to choose, would you go for something special or something constant?” One answer stood out to me—a simple yet profound analogy. The person likened instant noodles with egg to something special, while rice represented the dependable presence of something constant.

The comparison instantly clicked. Think about it—instant noodles with egg, with their enticing aroma and rich, savory taste, feel like a little celebration in a bowl. They capture the allure of special moments that excite and delight us. Meanwhile, rice, which shows up on our plates almost daily, might seem plain but offers something irreplaceable: consistency.

But here’s the part that really got me thinking. In life, don’t we often find ourselves yearning for the special, even when the constant is enough to sustain us? Like today, I chose to order instant noodles with egg, even though there was already a portion of rice on the table. Rice is like the person who’s always there—steady, dependable, and essential. Yet sometimes, we still crave something different.

This reminds me of a common scene in Indonesia. At big gatherings or celebrations, no matter how many delightful dishes are served, people often hesitate to dig in if rice isn’t part of the spread. It’s as if rice is the anchor that completes the meal—a reassuring presence that ties everything together.

And isn’t that a reflection of life itself? We chase after extraordinary moments—grand achievements, thrilling experiences, or fleeting joys—but it’s the constants in our lives, like the person who’s always there, that provide the foundation we need. Without them, even the most special moments would lose much of their meaning.

But what if you had to choose just one? What’s more important: the special or the constant?

It’s not an easy question to answer, is it? We need both to feel whole. The constant gives us stability and a sense of security, while the special injects excitement and color into our lives. I think it all comes down to timing. There are moments when we cling to the constant to feel grounded, and others when we seek the extraordinary to remind ourselves how vibrant life can be.

Maybe, in the end, life is about finding harmony between the two. Because rice without side dishes feels incomplete, and side dishes without rice often lack substance. In the same way, a solid foundation needs to be seasoned with special moments to create a life that feels rich and fulfilling.