Virtute non Verbis
Roughly translated as “deeds, not words”, this should be the guiding principle and motto for 2018 and beyond, for everybody in this country.
We all know the old expression that “through sitting down and standing around, nothing ever gets done”. This actually omits a crucial truth: verbalising things through talking, making promises etc. and not doing anything thereafter, is far worse! This seems to be the next step in this sequence and something Namibians are very good at.
Words have a powerful effect. They create expectations and this seems to be the bit that people, especially those in positions of power, don't seem to get: talking is the easiest thing in the world and it doesn't cost anything. The costly part, for every word uttered, comes when you have to deliver on the expectations you created, with your (often) careless, thoughtless discourse.
An even bigger effect, and often so wrong to the extent of being truly sinful, is the fact that the precious, often life-sustaining commodity of hope is created through this, usually amongst the most needy and vulnerable in society. These are mostly the ones who have not much more than their hopes for a better future to keep them going. They are also the ones affected the most by empty promises and arrogant posturing with nothing to back it up. It is also about setting examples, through doing, which will inevitably have the desired snowball effect and inspire others to follow suit. So, as we are winding down 2017 and going away from work to rest, recuperate, reflect, plan and make resolutions for 2018, it is a good time to set this up as a sort of default mode - words (and actions) to live by for the immediate and even long-term future.
Unfortunately for our politicians, words are their stock in trade; they are very good at talking and have honed it to a fine art. However, as the saying goes, “if you can dream it, you can do it,” hence the conversion from talking about it do actually doing it shouldn't be all that difficult.
In an ideal world, with determined application, this might eventually even manifest into actions and a “just do it” mentality - as per the popular worldwide sportswear manufacturer. But then again, pigs might also learn to fly. However, if you can't do it, don't say it.
We all know the old expression that “through sitting down and standing around, nothing ever gets done”. This actually omits a crucial truth: verbalising things through talking, making promises etc. and not doing anything thereafter, is far worse! This seems to be the next step in this sequence and something Namibians are very good at.
Words have a powerful effect. They create expectations and this seems to be the bit that people, especially those in positions of power, don't seem to get: talking is the easiest thing in the world and it doesn't cost anything. The costly part, for every word uttered, comes when you have to deliver on the expectations you created, with your (often) careless, thoughtless discourse.
An even bigger effect, and often so wrong to the extent of being truly sinful, is the fact that the precious, often life-sustaining commodity of hope is created through this, usually amongst the most needy and vulnerable in society. These are mostly the ones who have not much more than their hopes for a better future to keep them going. They are also the ones affected the most by empty promises and arrogant posturing with nothing to back it up. It is also about setting examples, through doing, which will inevitably have the desired snowball effect and inspire others to follow suit. So, as we are winding down 2017 and going away from work to rest, recuperate, reflect, plan and make resolutions for 2018, it is a good time to set this up as a sort of default mode - words (and actions) to live by for the immediate and even long-term future.
Unfortunately for our politicians, words are their stock in trade; they are very good at talking and have honed it to a fine art. However, as the saying goes, “if you can dream it, you can do it,” hence the conversion from talking about it do actually doing it shouldn't be all that difficult.
In an ideal world, with determined application, this might eventually even manifest into actions and a “just do it” mentality - as per the popular worldwide sportswear manufacturer. But then again, pigs might also learn to fly. However, if you can't do it, don't say it.
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