A dreamer’s dream

A politician visits a village on the campaign trail and asks the villagers what their needs are. “We have two basic needs, Sir,” replies the village leader. “Firstly, we have a hospital, but no doctor.”

On hearing this, the politician brings out his phone, and after speaking for a while, he tells them not to worry; a doctor will be present tomorrow and asks what the second problem is.

“Secondly, sir, there is no cellphone reception anywhere in the village.”

Politicians are notorious for making promises during the campaign. Now that they have been elected into office, it remains to be seen whether they will keep their promises.

We all hope that our newly elected officials will serve faithfully not only for their interests, but also for the country.

Political thinker Edmund Burke says: “The great difference between the real statesman and the pretender is that one sees into the future, while the other regards only the present;  one lives by the day and acts on expedience; the other acts on enduring principles and for immortality.” This reminds us of the often-quoted phrase: “The politician thinks of the next election while the statesman thinks of the next generation.”

These words from our friend Krish Dhanam would be timely and relevant to all the elected officials. Krish addresses the young leaders eager to learn the civics and civility of elected office. If you fuse yourself with the moral law of a moral lawgiver, you will be the catalyst for righteous change in society. But, on the other hand, if you are confused about the truth that always existed, the manufactured lies will abuse you.

The legitimacy of any victory is founded on planning and preparing for it. The fallacy of expectation without effort marginalizes excellence and gives credence to falsehoods.

For example:

1. You cannot reap without sowing.

2. You cannot withdraw from the bank without deposits to back up the withdrawal.

3. You cannot receive a passing grade on a paper you never submitted.

4. You cannot expect the world to suffocate just because you hold your breath.

Wisdom: Knowledge used correctly yields understanding.

Innovation: Change is constant. Adapting to it warrants innovation.

Subscribe to the absolute foundations of truth and not the fleeting footsteps of temptation. Moral absolutes are vital to give you the integrity in decision-making. Measure what you treasure. Between the ethical and legal lies the wounded conscience of boundary-less change.

Network: Navigate with certainty and alter direction, but never abandon the destination.

1.Perception is a window.

2.Preparation is the door.

3.Participation is the path.

4.Progress is the journey.

5.Purpose is the direction.

6.Promise is the destination.

And as usual, Krish offers a reflective moment as he quotes T. E. Lawrence: “All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes to make them possible.”

I wish we raise a new generation of public servants who would serve the public and make this nation a better place for our children.

Decades ago, I conversed with an upcoming young politician running for a high government position. I said, “My wife and I are not wealthy people, but this is a very modest donation we would like to give to your campaign. I will not tell anyone about this, and I certainly promise you that if you get elected, I will never ask favors from you except one: that you make this nation better because the fate of my kids is in your hands.” He nodded his head, and he said he would. The young, elected official has matured into a seasoned politician, but not as a statesman as I had hoped.

Well, my kids are all grown up, and I am no longer young, but I still can dream, can’t I?

(Francis Kong runs his highly acclaimed Level Up Leadership 2.0 Master Class Online this May 24 to 26. For inquiries and reservations, contact April at +63928-559-1798 or and for more information, visit www.levelupleadership.ph)