An Ordinary Man

Petr is a small, inexpressive and a petty man. At least, this is what his mother told him one day as they were sitting on a blanket near the swimming pool. He was nine and it was the World War II. His mother ́s creed has accompanied him throughout his life. Petr became a physician and an assistant to one of the most famous Czech photographers. He himself became a photographer later on in his life. He never married, he never had children. He never stood out, neither as a physician nor as a photographer. His life story does not seem important to him. Nevertheless, his life and work made a great impact in this world and inspired many people. What is the secret behind the enchantment of this ordinary man? We are introduced to Petr at the age of nine, just before the World War II broke out. Being the only child in a well-off family of physicians Petr is well taken care of. He is home- schooled, and their city house at the riverbank is regularly being visited by hoards of teachers. Petr is a willing, but a very untalented young boy. He found liking in loneliness, in observing the world around him and in petty destructions. (excerpt)