One of the readers of The Daily Paradox asks a good question: “How do we make a difference today? At this juncture?” Thank you, MM. You articulated what many people, of all sorts of political persuasions, are asking themselves. One of the great founders of modern Singapore, Dr Joseph Ee Peng Liang, always began his phone conversations with “How can I help you?” Whatever your answer, his subsequent efforts on your behalf confirmed that he meant it. Some of the things he did were small acts of kindness. Some were huge efforts to help form the culture of decent living that epitomises this tiny but influential country. Dr Ee never said “Not my job” or “Beyond my pay grade”.
And yet he was not Prime Minister or President or Finance Minister. He was head of the then fledgling social movement. That was a position of influence, of course, and he used it to help shape a culture that grew into today’s still evolving benevolent ‘Discipline of Decency’. His greatest influence came not from his designated authority but from his personality of purpose to help others. If I may say it, his ‘beautiful humility’ was born of strength exercised by love. He is one of the four role models I regard as examples of what I would like to be.
Each of us is an example to others. Whether boss or junior, our example spreads across the world at lightning speed. Our opinion may be rational or stupid, peaceful or belligerent, generous or mean. Regardless of which it is, it is influential beyond the confines of our home and neighbourhood. It influences the young and the old. It is a major say in how politicians think and govern. It decides if the row with those near to us becomes a war or a mediation. We never know what aspect of our behaviour is being used as a model by someone else.
My experience of “The Man on the Corner” is an unusual example*.
Today the world is awakening to a display of exactly how not to do things. Even if what the US President has done is successful we should never forget that the end does not always justify the means. The end is a purpose and having one that is good and clear is key to making a success of life. But how we achieve that purpose creates the tactics of life. They are what shape our character and our personality. In the end they are who we are.
And because of the example we exhibit, they are what others will become. Considering ourselves as influential is not above our pay grade. It is very much our job. Cynical disregard for the influence we have is self-demeaning. Blaming ‘the leaders’ is the behaviour of a frightened rat about to consume the rat poison. Ignoring the impact we have on others is a shameful axe of the gifts of honour and niceness we are given.
Speak up about ruthless behaviour. Politely but firmly insist that Myanmar’s problems are not going to be cured by the imposition of swingeing taxes on their exports. Point out to the powerful politicians that their power comes from the very same crowd that they can agitate into a mob. A mob can storm their lives just as easily as it can the seat of government in the USA. Firmly but rationally demand that the USA President reads his constitution to understand that the freedom so often iterated is on a par with the equality so seldom mentioned.
Your vote counts wherever you are. Your voice counts a thousand times more.
If you make it polite and moderate it will account for a million times more.
That is worth more than all the billions the irresponsible can amass.
Good morning
John Bittleston
Thank you, MM, for jogging me into writing this.
*If you’d like to read “The Man on the Corner” please ask at [email protected] .
05 April 2025
