19 August
THE Greek philosopher Aristotle once remarked that man is by nature a social animal and chooses to live with others. If we look at the most basic group in society — the family — we can see its individual members have their own duty and unique relationship with each other. Extending beyond that is kinship.
Each group of relatives or clans are led by one individual, whose commands everyone obeys. So too in the family, the parents lead, and the rest follow.
Maintaining good relationships, unity, and responsibility leads clans to prosperity across successive generations. They reach the highest strata of society. The same principle applies to larger groups, such as ethnic races and citizens of a nation. Mutual respect, discipline, unity, and individual accountability can help lift the status of a country and its people to the highest levels.
Our neighbouring countries are moving towards prosperity and we must strive hard to catch up with them. We need to make longer strides towards development.
As we implement a democratic system in our country, we must give preference to the blossoming of justice, freedom, and equality.
The people of the nation are aware of their original opportunities and duties. They include the freedom to express, speak, gather peacefully, organize, and follow their unique traditions and religious customs, in addition to developing their literature and language. It is our duty to ensure our freedom of speech and expression and our actions do not harm others. Furthermore, we must understand that the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy are bounded by our laws.
“If you want others to respect you, then, you must show them respect first. Follow the rules and show respect where necessary.”
“Truly free people maintain their own discipline. You must remind yourself of which rules to keep, how to act, and what is integrity. If you follow through with your own standards, then you will truly be a free adult.”
The preceding remarks were made by State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi during a meeting with Myanmar scouts in Mandalay. Freedom exists within the bounds of discipline and is inseparable from responsibility. Balancing both is what enables us to become mature and wise.
GNLM
