Ahri's unqualified thoughts #65
Ahri's unqualified thoughts #65
In this edition, our focus is twofold: first, I am sharing a small teaser of an announcement we’re making this Wednesday on a game I am advising. Secondly, we focus on an essay detailing the founding of Singapore, and how it differs socially and philosophically from the US.
1 quote
"We can complain because bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorns have roses" Alphonse Karr
1 tweet/storm
A game I am advising is going to show its rebranding this Wednesday. Exciting times ahead as we have tons of cool things planned :).
1 article/video
DISCLAIMER: I am not a geopolitical expert, or anything like that. Also, I’ve never been to Singapore. Nonetheless, I appreciate this piece as it explains the story of Singapore and its singular build up, and approach.
I love this piece for several reasons.
First, my interest in History drives my curiosity. Secondly, I'm fascinated by human behavior and socio-dynamics. Lastly, since I joined web3, there's been a lot of discussion about DAOs (Decentralized autonomous organization) and their potential in shaping the future of governance. I love comparing traditional governance models with the emerging models in cryptocurrency, as both are influenced by power dynamics, personal/group drivers, and incentives.
Singapore's reputation as a clean, wealthy, highly educated, and respectful society raises a question: how did they achieve this status in such a short time? The article deep dives into the journey of Singapore's transformation, highlighting the strategies of its chief architect, Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
Moreover, the article contrasts Singapore's approach with the American model, offering insights into both. Here's a good excerpt from the article that encapsulates this comparison from Lee Kuan Yew’s perspective:
“These are the four salient features of America’s entrepreneurial culture: (1) a national emphasis on personal independence and self-reliance, (2) respect for those starting new businesses, (3) acceptance of failure in entrepreneurial and innovation efforts, and (4) tolerance for a high degree of income disparity.”
Due to its culture of entrepreneurship, America is always transforming. However, America’s belief in individual liberty comes at a cost:
“The ideas of individual supremacy…when carried to excess, have not worked. They have made it difficult to keep American society cohesive. Asia can see it is not working. Those who want a wholesome society where young girls and old ladies can walk in the streets at night, where the young are not preyed upon by drug peddlers, will not follow the American model…The top 3 to 5% of a society can handle this free-for-all, this clash of ideas. If you do this with the whole mass, you will have a mess…To have, day to day, images of violence and raw sex on the picture tube, the whole society exposed to it, it will ruin a whole community.”