Dear 6B,
this entire week, you have been flooded with images, anecdotes, soundbites and documentaries on
Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
Just like you, so have I been inundated with them.
I have been processing them and reflecting about them.
And so today, I would just like to share my thoughts about them.
Have I met him or interacted with him in person?
No.
Yet, I grieve at his passing. Because everything I know and love about Singapore comes from his visions and foresight.
The fact that I live in a well-sanitised place, received a good education, am able to read and write fluently in two languages and have a decent conversation in the other official languages, have a constant supply of electricity and water, walk about safely even if I am coming home late at night...
I have him to thank.
That said, this is not a pro-political post.This is not a propaganda post. This is a Lee Kuan Yew post, from a Singaporean of 27 years.
The older citizens and even you 6B, as you grow up, you may find certain of his decisions controversial and not ideal. So do I. But that does not negate all the other contributions of his.
I admire him for
having one vision -
to make Singapore a world-class city despite all the factors working against us.
showing what true work-life balance is -
having time for his wife and children (the aspect I truly admire him the most for)
not being afraid to stand up for what he believed in
being able to let go even if he was fit to continue running the state because he wanted to groom the next generation of leaders
That said - I do not want his passing to be a mere 1 week affair.
Some people got tattoos, some reflections. But these are too easy. Living is tough.
Here are some things that I've learnt from him that I wish to apply in my life henceforth.
#1: Be thankful for what I have,
"What I fear is complacency. When things become better, people tend to want more for less work." - LKY, 1970
See how much of a foresight he has? Here we are, whining about every little inconvenience we have. Train late, wifi-lagging, queue too long, too much homework...
Train late - at least we have a convenient public-transport system.
Wifi-lag- at least we have a modern technologically advanced society and you can afford such electrical luxuries
Queue too long - at least it's an orderly line and not a stampede
Too much homework - at least you have teachers who are willing to go the extra mile for you to ensure your excellence in education
Even Mr Lee Kuan Yew recognises this annoying trait of ours as mentioned in his quote :
"You know the Singaporean. He is a hard-working, industrious, rugged individual...But let us recognise that he is a champion grumbler" - 1977
Why are we grumbling?? Travelling has opened my eyes to how the basic necessities in life can be a luxury in some countries whereas here it is taken for granted.
So, I'm going to make an effort to recognise and appreciate the things I have going right for me and if a roadblock comes, I'm going to do something about it instead of whining about it.
#2: Exercise
Mr Lee had a daily exercise routine all the way in his 70s, 80s.
Sure, it was modified but it was still part of his daily life. If a man in his late 70s can exercise, why can't I??
So, I'm going to fit in exercise as a regular portion of my life.
#3: Lifelong learning
Mr Lee started learning Hokkien. Then, he moved onto Malay. Followed by Mandarin, which he continued learning till 90! With a teacher and all...
Proves two things. One, even the founding father of Singapore had the humility to realise he did not know everything and there is always something to learn. Two, it is never too late to start learning.
I am going to pursue a skill, big or small. But I am.
#4: Decrease addiction to technology
"Life is not just eating, drinking, television and cinema...The human mind must be creative, must be self-generating, it cannot depend on just gadgets to amuse itself" - LKY
When do you think he said this? 2000? 2010? Not at all. He said this in NINETEEN SIXTY-FIVE.
1965. FIFTY years ago.
And here we are 50 years later, forever addicted to our smartphones and internet.
Let's make an effort to detach ourselves from technology and enjoy the actual world , company with actual people , our loved ones and friends , even ourselves and our thoughts more.
So here they are - the 4 things I'm going to do to pay tribute to my nation's founding father - Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
"If you want to reach your goals and dreams, you cannot do it without discipline" - LKY
Discipline matters. I've always believed in it, hence your classroom expectations. Now, I will need discipline to achieve my 4 goals. It's not going to be easy but I will make the effort.
As I watch the state funeral and procession, these resolutions will resound in my mind as I thank and respect the man for all that he has done and what he will continue to inspire even in the years he's not around physically.
If you've any thoughts or personal insights, do share them 6B:).
Love,
Ms Priya
