Comments on: A Life Lesson from Poor Countries

By: Josh Lipovetsky

Josh Lipovetsky — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 02:24:28 +0000

Donald,

The way you wrote your post make me think of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, of people looking out for their own best interests.

I guess we really shouldn’t operate on 100% self interest…

“I know that an individual is much less complex than a country, but I do see a parallel here.”

Yes, it’s a huge parallel! Personally, I think individuals are just as complex as a country, if not more so. Some of the internal mechanisms that are working in human beings are so incredible, and complex. I think the microcosm (people) and the macrocosm (society system of a country) are very similar, and I never really looked at it that way before. This is an incredibly insightful post, Donald. This needs to be read by world leaders; maybe things will get better if they apply these values.

Thank you,
Josh Lipovetsky.

By: Dan @ Anxiety Support Network

Dan @ Anxiety Support Network — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 04:26:57 +0000

This is what I guessed the main problem to be even before it was posted! A few people, because they have access to power that others don’t, can maintain their own power and make things good for themselves, but that just destroys everyone around them. But, as noted, they do so at the expense of their country.

I believe that the same thing is going on in America, however, since we have a wider net of riches, more people are able to be selfish and keep power, so that actually works against those in power because more people can keep it. Most people in America have to submit to rules made by powerful corporations, while the upper 1% or so keep making rules that benefit themselves. At some point, it will cause or country to crash and burn.

Good article though, as I think its true, and the more we think of others, the better off our world is.

By: Steve-Success Factors

Steve-Success Factors — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:42:10 +0000

Donald, thanks so much for this article. I loved what you said in the beginning of your article, that you like to look for ideas from seemingly unrelated sources: that is the crux of creativity and innovation, and something I strive for as well.

I would agree that values and self discipline are key. For myself, connection to a Higher Power, which for me is God, is where I get my absolutes that inform my values. And apart from that relationship with God and accountability to other people (I have several people who hold me accountable to my values, but in a way that has my self-interest in mind, not in a tyrannical way:), it is difficult for me to keep self-interest in check.

Of course, there is then enlightened self-interest, where we find out that giving of ourselves unselfishly is more rewarding than the seeming short-term benefits of self-interest.

By: Carnival of Positive Thinking : Widows Quest - Redefine Yourself and Rediscover Life after a Loss

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:25:01 +0000

[...] Latumahina presents A Life Lesson from Poor Countries posted at Life [...]

By: Sibyl - alternaview

Sibyl - alternaview — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 15:45:22 +0000

Great post. Great insights. I couldn’t agree more that the way we go about things in many ways determines the outcome. It really is all about the process…how we make decisions, how well we work with others, how much we consider other people’s welfare, and whether or not we uphold our values and aim to do what we know is right. When we are able to really maintain the integrity of the process, then we are guaranteed to have a better outcome. Very interesting post and a great comparison.

By: Ian Coburn

Ian Coburn — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:47:53 +0000

Hm. Very insightful and unique definition of self-discipline. That’s where Capitalism and Communism/Marxism share the same folly–neither accounts for human greed (i.e. lack of self-discipline), so both fall prey to it. We tend to think we are truly Capitalistic in the U.S. but we aren’t–and that’s a good thing. (Labor laws, unions, anti-trust regulations, etc. All are uncapitalistic.)

By: Donald Latumahina

Donald Latumahina — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:36:10 +0000

Ray and Claus,
I agree with you. It will be great if everyone has that kind of attitude.

Susan,
Thanks :)

Isaac,
I can also say that good institutions do make the difference in a country. In recent years there’s been a lot of progress in the country where I live.

By: Isaac - Life is simpler

Isaac - Life is simpler — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 06:52:54 +0000

Hi Donald,
Amazing statistics! And great comparison between poor countries and our probably poor attitudes.
Living in a Latin American country I can say that good institutions make the difference. And so do them for personal success. Self-discipline is specially what I find determinant for eliminating this short-sighted behavior.

By: Susan Liddy

Susan Liddy — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 04:25:58 +0000

Powerful article, Donald.
Really thought provoking.
I love how you tied compared a countries institutions with our personal ones.
You really hit home the importance of living by our personal values… not only because it fulfills us… it fulfills the planet.

Gonna tweet this one out.

:) Susan

By: Free Powerful Affirmations Audio - Claus D Jensen

Free Powerful Affirmations Audio - Claus D Jensen — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:23:56 +0000

I totally agree with Ray…

If we would start helping each other and keep asking: “What can I do for you?” the World would change…

Greetings,
Claus D Jensen