Clock Awaiting Repair 待修的钟

In a comic by Fēng Zikǎi (丰子恺) titled ‘Clock Awaiting Repair’ (待修的钟), a grinning man points at a public clock labelled ‘Official Standard Clock’ (标准钟) to another man and two children. Its hands claim it is 2 o’clock, while the sun has almost set.

This can be interpreted as a reminder to grown-ups and children alike, that self-claimed ‘authorities’ are not always right. Even if they are so most of the time, there can be times when they are not.

The true authority we must eventually take reference with is ourselves, who judge if that claimed matches reality.