Common sense not quite common

-The poor need opportunity, not just charity, a hand up, not a hand-out, partners not patrons, free markets not free money, trade, not just aid (Rick Warren)

Often I have impression that we do not seem to want the developing world to be rich. All wisdom we are busy to practice in the developed world somehow are not encouraged to be applied in the developing world. Here are some examples.

1.Excessive use of word “Poverty”

We know that the use of negative word should be avoided because the more we think on negativity; the more we get trapped in it. If we aim to be rich we are instructed to focus on the richness not on the poverty. This simple universal rule is not applied in the development field. Poverty is one of the most popular terms repeatedly used in all meetings, newspapers and posters. Poverty reduction, poverty elimination, poverty alleviation all these words, if carefully observed, imply that poverty may be reduced but will persist nonetheless. With this not so determined prospective I do not find how we can help people get out of poverty. Our focus should be on economic development instead. The usage of the word poverty should be minimized or completely eliminated if possible.

2. Injection of passivity

Self confidence is one of the crucial factors for anyone to get out of poverty. Behind the donor and recipient relationship, there is a hidden message “We are rich and superior and you are poor and inferior.” It is inevitable not to imagine the inferior and superior relationship when it comes to development aid. As a result the people in the developing world constantly are forced to see themselves inferior, passive and dependent. As it goes on, the basic human dignity is gradually impaired and their self image turns increasingly negative. How can we expect people with low self-esteem to change their lives?

3. Giving away fish

If you want to help people, teach them to fish. We all know this simple wisdom that giving things for free is not a long term solution. Surprisingly, however, giving for free is still widely practiced in the development field, not only in the refugee camps in Africa but in most developing world; Free schools, free hospitals, free medicines, free food, free electricity. As a recipient your obligation to contribute is a little bit of physical labor or almost nonexistent. Here mutual partnership is not strongly pronounced. As a result free facilities undergo often problem of maintenance or deteriation. Why does this happen? That’s because it is easy way of distributing money. But a quick fix can never bring a lasting effect. Besides, we've witnessed free food and clothes disturb local markets and drive the fragile economy of the developing countries almost to the verge of collapse.

As the world gets closer I am increasingly convinced that the only solution is a job creation. The real breakthrough will occur as the more people in the developing world are employed, trained, disciplined and earn their income with their sweat and dignity.

High & Excitement

I have been always fascinated by the concept of “Follow Your Bliss”. It is true that we should strive to figure out what we are born for and try to live up to it as soon as we find it.

I thought I found my life mission in the Dominican Republic where I successfully launched tree planting campaign and tree nursery project. Although the project lacked in careful planning and consideration for sustainability, I put my body and soul in it and it turned out quite exciting. Work and life became seamless and I was creative more than never.

The problem is that ever since the high and excitement became important factors in my job search. It was not easy to find another experience of that kind though. I got easily impatient if the job is dull and boring. I forgot that I put in considerable effort before I reached the high and excitement. I forgot the high and excitement were byproducts of meaningful work, not the prerequisite.

After 11 years I realize the job which made me excited and stay high for over 8 months in fact may have been setback in pursuing my mission. Lasting pleasure comes from a deliberate planning and disciplinary implementation and it takes time and effort until you feel high and exciting in any area of discipline. I want to caution those who are looking for bliss, to be prepared to put in sustained efforts before they experience a true bliss.

Why I write

Working over 13 years in the development aid, I noticed true change can occur only when the change in mind and attitude happens. Any development project failing to address this aspect can be hardly sustainable. Change in mind and attitude, however, does not happen overnight. It is a long term process which involves a variety of efforts, one of which is learning wisdom. Often it is noticed that the lack of basic wisdom affects people significantly in their lives. Torah is packed with wisdom perfectly applicable to anybody and any occasion.

In this blog I will blend the wisdom from Torah with my thought over development, so that the development projects can be effectively designed and particularly people in the developing world better informed and become owners in their fates.