Wah, Mr Goh, I saw your letter to MyPaper, “Progress Should Mean Time To Smell The Roses” (5 Jan). Totally so true, even though we all hate to admit that we don’t want to be as hardworking as our forefathers! Actually, on hindsight, I think our forefathers were hardworking in different ways. First, much of the work at that time was menial, repetitive, hard labour. Lack of technology and lots of human error were compounded by immature processes and rules. But, at the end of the day, they also had less distractions (tv, mobile phones, chains that tie them to work), more simple pleasures to indulge in, and generally, simpler needs and wants. People all around were similarly less aggressive, cunning and mercenary.

 

Many undesirable influences from the West had yet to taint us. We were beginning to form a unique identity here, thanks to the mix of 4 races + colonial past. Our heyday was probably in the 70s where a mix of the old and the new was allowing us to enjoy quality leisure time while still working hard to achieve progress. Now look at us. We are a victim of global forces and trends, no doubt, but the ruthless, unrelenting LKY drive to burn us out to achieve his vision has now taken its toll.

 

May he please be issued a one-way ticket to heaven where he can practise his traits safely away from us.

Cheers!

Patrick (name changed)

Gilbert: Article can be assessed here: http://myepaper.mypaper.sg/ebook/web_php/fvbrowserjs.php?urljs=http://myepaper.mypaper.sg/ecreator/sphopf/mya050110cnd_opf_files/mya050110cnd.js&ver=Gen

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