Self-questioning isn’t in our DNA

Why? We value hierarchy and paternalism that, in turn, explain our embrace of tyranny. In other words, openness and the willingness to change one’s mind won’t find a home in our parochial and insular bias. Instead, we’re predisposed to rely on political patronage and oligarchy.

If those dots don’t connect, should we then ask Juan de la Cruz: How come innovation and global competitiveness aren’t instinctive to us?

Why innovation? Let’s hear from Google: “Innovation of the technique of smelting ore ended the Stone Age and began the Bronze Age. The first most significant metal manufactured was bronze, an alloy of copper and tin or arsenic smelted separately. The transition from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age was a period during which modern people could smelt copper but did not yet manufacture bronze, aka as the Copper Age (or more technically the Chalcolithic or Eneolithic, both meaning ‘copper–stone’). The Chalcolithic by convention is the initial period of the Bronze Age. The Iron Age followed the Bronze Age.”

Recall how we assumed that industrialization wasn’t our comparative advantage that the pursuit of overseas employment by Filipinos became central to our economic development. Yet, to innovate is inherent in man. In short, because of the bonanza from OFW remittances, we have outsmarted the Dutch and now own the “Dutch disease.”

Over the ten years of its existence, the blog hasn’t strayed from the themes of Pinoy parochialism and insularity. Why? As a development worker in Eastern Europe for the last 16 years, the writer learned about the isolation of the once Soviet satellite states.

“We were led to believe that ours was a prosperous enterprise, that the communist rule was out to provide our needs, and that we ought to be thankful. Until, in my case, as the accountant of the local gunpowder factory, I attended a conference in Greece. Greece is a next-door neighbor, but we had no clue what was across our borders. To my surprise, a typical mom-and-pop store in Greece sold so much merchandise that I was overwhelmed. We were living a lie.” 

That’s how a then-new friend expressed his first experience stepping out of their isolated land.

The Philippines, except for the brief travel ban imposed by Marcos, didn’t suffer from such isolation, yet we chose to isolate ourselves. Consider: “Vietnam [liberalized] its economy to welcome foreign industry. In 2015 the government opened 50 sectors to foreign competition and slashed regulation in hundreds more. Vietnam’s enthusiasm for free-trade deals has made it especially alluring to foreign investors.” [The Economist, 12th Apr 2018]

In other words, while people that were once restricted opted to open their borders, here we are, for the longest time, continuing to distance ourselves from the rest of the world. Where’s the self-questioning, the openness, and the willingness to change one’s mind? These are the elements that make for a wise choice, as confirmed by science.

Sadly, hierarchy and paternalism – as in tyranny – don’t welcome wise choices.

Until we recognize our reality, we can only be sorry for the succeeding generations. They are inheriting a history, heritage, and culture that go against the very nature of man. See above re the Stone Age and beyond. To be sure, no one can change on a dime. Yet, in the Philippines, even generations don’t suffice.

Consider: “Around 120 years ago, Jose Rizal [pointed out that] the difficulty every enterprise encountered in dealing with the Administration contributed [much] to kill off all commercial and industrial movement.  

On the other hand, “The most commercial and most industrious countries have been the freest countries. France, England, and the United States prove this. Hong Kong, which is not worth the most insignificant island of the Philippines, has more commercial activity than all our islands put together because it is free and well-governed.” (Jose Rizal, Political and Historical Writings, vol. VII, Centennial Edition, National Historical Commission, 1961, pp. 249-250.)

“Though Rizal was referring to a time in history that was long ago, there are prominent elements of truth in this analysis even for our times. Bad politics, corruption, rent-seeking infect the country’s policy-making process.

“Reforms are needed to tame the problems [while] the support of national leadership would speed up and solve such glaring problems.” [“Factors that still afflict us in a growing economy,” Gerardo P. Sicat, CROSSROADS TOWARD PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL PROGRESS, The Philippine Star, 23rd Oct 2019]

Almost 50 years ago, the writer worked for one of the nation’s oligarchies. The memory came as the writer writes in a bed-and-breakfast villa made of pinewood in the Alsace region of France. The place, including the surrounding fir- and cloud-covered mountains, is a reminder of the old Baguio staff house of his then Filipino employer.

One major event he recalls is the visit by a delegation from the IMF-World Bank – during their big meeting in Manila that also brought about the rapid construction of 5-star hotels – to their refinery, a BOI-registered pioneering enterprise. Sadly, technology has rendered it passé and has ceased to exist. That’s the risk-reward cycle one gets from rent-seeking.

Innovation. Innovation. Innovation. 

As some would know, the writer has been mentoring his Eastern European friends on the pursuit of change in a country that continues to battle the remnants of tyrannical rule. Like in all former Soviet satellite states, people have a choice to be part of the oligarchy that has taken over or pursue the free market system.

People are funny. That is why the assumption that people will choose what’s right for them is a fallacy. It explains why Juan de la Cruz keeps shooting himself in the foot. Think of Adam and Eve partaking of the forbidden fruit.

Here lies the root of innovation. As the writer says to his Eastern European friends, change is infinity – because of the ever-changing wants of man. In other words, to assume that there will not be the next wave of innovation is misplaced. For example, how long does it take for us to exploit the power of our electronic devices truly? In the meantime, before we know it, what we’re trying to master is outmoded.

Sadly, because we Pinoys are the regional laggard, modernity disorients us. Unfortunately, the world is harsher and less forgiving, as perceived by Emmanuel Macron – which means it will not wait for Juan de la Cruz.

Innovation is in one’s mind, is in man; technology follows yet gets ahead, and the cycle continues. For example, given we continue to value hierarchy and paternalism and rely on political patronage and oligarchy, how far do we think has technology left us behind?

In a recent posting, the blog spoke to the strategic planning initiative of the ex-president from Eastern Europe. Development is not about quick fixes. It takes leadership, foresight, and values to traverse the road from poverty to prosperity. And it is never a done deal. Innovation is infinity.

The bottom line: Openness and the willingness to change one’s mind won’t find a home in our parochial and insular bias. Self-questioning isn’t in our DNA.

Gising bayan!

“Why independence, if the slaves of today will be the tyrants of tomorrow? Moreover, that they will be such is not to be doubted, for he who submits to tyranny loves it.” [We are ruled by Rizal’s ‘tyrants of tomorrow,’ Editorial, The Manila Times, 29th Dec 2015]

“Now I know why Paul dared to speak of ‘the curse of the law’ (Galatians 3:13). Law reigns and discernment is unnecessary, which means there is little growth or change in such people. When you do not grow, you remain an infant.” [Faith and Science, Open to Change, Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditation, 23rd Oct 2017]

“As a major component for the education and reorientation of our people, mainstream media – their reporters, writers, photographers, columnists, and editors – have an obligation to this country . . .” [Era of documented irrelevance: Mainstream media, critics and protesters, Homobono A. Adaza, The Manila Times, 25th Nov 2015]

“National prosperity is created, not inherited. It does not grow out of a country's natural endowments, its labor pool, its interest rates, or its currency’s value, as classical economics insists. [A] nation’s competitiveness depends on the capacity of its industry to innovate and upgrade.” [The Competitive Advantage of Nations, Michael E. Porter, Harvard Business Review, March–April 1990]

“You have to have a dream, whether big or small. Then plan, focus, work hard, and be very determined to achieve your goals.” [Henry Sy Sr., Chairman Emeritus and Founder, SM Group (1924 - 2019)]

“Learning and innovation go hand in hand. The arrogance of success is to think that what you did yesterday will be sufficient for tomorrow.” [William Pollard, 1911-1989, physicist-priest, Manhattan Project]

“Development [is informed by a people’s] worldview, cognitive capacity, values, moral development, self-identity, spirituality, and leadership . . .” [Frederic Laloux, Reinventing organizations, Nelson Parker, 2014]