CHARACTER BUILDS THE NATION
The role of individuals in nation-building is akin to that of bricks in a structure. A nation where citizens embrace compromise, cooperation, and patience for short-term challenges to achieve long-term progress will thrive.
Toyota Motor Company is a Japanese automobile manufacturer that has maintained its production process without losing a single workday for nearly the past 30 years. This is just one example that illustrates the reasons behind the rapid industrial development in Japan. General Motors and Ford Motor Company are considered the largest automotive manufacturers in the world. However, the average annual production per worker in these American companies is eleven cars. In contrast, in the aforementioned Japanese motor company, the average yearly output per worker is thirty-three cars.
The secret behind Japan’s remarkable industrial development lies in its labour force. The constructive temperament of Japanese workers is Japan’s greatest wealth. Despite Japan having little to no production of coal, iron, oil, and other metals, it still exhibits the fastest industrial development in the world. What is it about the temperament of Japanese workers that has become such a significant asset for Japan? According to one observer:
“A national spirit of compromise and cooperation and a willingness to endure short-term setbacks for the long-term good of the nation, company, or family.” (The Hindustan Times, August 25, 1981)
The national character of the Japanese people is one of readiness for compromise and cooperation. For the broader benefit of the nation, company, or family, they are willing to endure temporary losses.
In the construction of a nation, the most critical factor is the temperament of its individuals. If the temperament of individuals is flawed, nothing can save the nation from destruction. Conversely, if the temperament of individuals is right, that nation will certainly succeed, regardless of how many enemies it faces.
The role of individuals in nation-building is akin to that of bricks in a structure. A building made of poor-quality bricks is unstable and can collapse under any incident. In contrast, a building constructed with strong bricks can be trusted to stand firm against floods and storms. Every gust of wind that strikes it merely bounces back; it cannot damage it.
