Do we have a future?

Fellow Singaporeans, do we have a future?

In the developing days of Singapore, having a group of elites pulling Singapore along a planned track helped us greatly. Within a few short years, we developed leaps and bounds. Within decades, we have grown from a small little dot that no one would really notice, to a growing nation that seemed to shine amongst her neighbours.

But that was years ago.

How about now?

Do we still need that small group of elites, with their small, narrow, yet focused viewpoints, to pull us along? Or must our leaders start to broaden their views, to accept that we have passed the stage whereby a small group can pull us to an objective, towards a leadership group that brings out the best in each of us, so that we can all contribute in our own ways towards building not a more developed nation, but a better home for each of us?

Conforming to a certain ideal, a certain mindset for progress, has gotten us this far. But will it continue to bring us ahead? Or has that mindset reached a plateau, one which requires us to change our mindset in order to move on to the next stage? Do we still recognise the value of the individual based on how much he or she can contribute to the common goal? Or is it time to start valuing each individual based on what he or she can bring to the table?

Is our common goal progress? If so, how is progress measured?

Or is our common goal compassion? That each of us make Singapore a better place not for ourselves, but for all those sharing Singapore?

Do we continue to live with a mindset that brought us success 20 years ago? Or is it time to adopt a mindset that will bring us success in 20 years time?

When will we learn that we can have pride in our achievements, yet not become proud and let that hinder our judgment? For when we become overly proud, we start to think too much of ourselves, and in the end become unreceptive to external views and ideas that can actually help us improve.

When will we learn to accept that we still have a lot to learn?