In Haruki Murakami's short story "Thailand," the author reflects on the paradox of earthquakes. We generally perceive the ground beneath us as stable and unchanging, which leads us to develop expressions that convey a sense of solidity and reliability. Phrases like "down to earth" highlight our belief in the firmness of the physical world, which anchors us both literally and metaphorically.

However, when an earthquake strikes, this perception is violently disrupted. The earth, which we assume to be solid, suddenly reveals its fluidity, illustrating the unpredictable and often terrifying nature of our surroundings. This contrast between our expectations and reality serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of the foundation upon which we build our lives, both physically and emotionally.