In my years, I had the opportunity to observe peoples and countries. I see some countries doing well, others failing, and my analysis of things is that whether you fail or succeed is a function of your value system.
Interpretation
The success or failure of individuals and nations is determined by their underlying values.
In this quote, Mahathir Mohamad reflects on his observations of various countries and peoples, suggesting that their outcomes—whether prosperous or in decline—are fundamentally rooted in their value systems. He emphasizes that the principles and values upheld by individuals and societies greatly influence their trajectories, thereby highlighting the importance of a strong ethical foundation in achieving success.
In practice
During a keynote speech on economic development, one could mention this quote to emphasize the importance of building a strong value system.
I believe that every leader has a right to implement his own policy. But when I see things that are done that are not right - abuse of power, wrong approaches, wrong strategies, making use of foreign consultants, including those discarded by other countries - I feel that I have to have my say.
If you want to be honest with yourself, you have to take criticism, even if you attract adverse comments from others.
It would seem the people who want to preserve the Penans' way of life are condemning them to a life full of diseases and a shorter life span.
There are certain things that we can deal with by following the rules. But at times, we find the rules restrict you from doing the right things. On such occasions, we have to rethink - either you change the rules or break the rules.
Free press is not absolute. In this country, we say clearly if you start stirring up racial hatred, then we will put a stop to it. We might even close down your paper, because these things can only lead to a lot of riots and bloodshed.
Independence means we enjoy freedom. We are not colonised by people. And we can govern our own country and develop it independently so that our people can live a better life.
What you meet in another being is the projection of your own level of evolution.
All our words are but crumbs that fall down from the feast of the mind.
Oh despise not election! therein lies all your hope, that there is a remnant who shall infallibly be saved.
We don't have the time to completely be ourselves. We only have the room to be happy.
Hateful day when I received life!' I exclaimed in agony. 'Accursed creator! Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in disgust? God, in pity, made man beautiful and alluring, after his own image; but my form is a filthy type of yours, more horrid even from the very resemlance. Satan had his companions, fellow-devils, to admire and encourage him; but I am solitary and abhorred.' - Frankenstein
And then what?" said her daemon sleepily. "Build what?" "The Republic of Heaven," said Lyra.
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