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Singapore's rise as an economic power is also something to be marveled at. The country was nothing till 1965 when they achieved independence, and separated fro

Singapore's rise as an economic power is also something to be marveled at. The country was nothing till 1965 when they achieved independence, and separated from Malasia. I dont remember where I read this- Singapore government had a similar policy of choosing extremely qualified people as their top level politicans- Look at what they have achieved in such a short time! Would love to learn more about what shaped Singapore politics and their economic miracle-Please post links, if you have any.

alizaki 16y ago
having lived in Singapore for 6 years now, i can tell you its a fascinating story. Start with this book: http://www.amazon.com/Conversations-Lee-Kuan-Yew-Singapore/dp/9812616764 http://www.amazon.com/Conversations-Lee-Kuan-Yew-Singapore/d... - It's basically a free ranging interview with Lee Kuan Yew, the man who essentially engineered Singapore. if you dont want to get the book, just google him and read. Lots of very interesting articles.
- gbog 16y ago
  Never lived in Singapore but read about it. The trick is apparently to keep the Confucean culture alive and open it to new technologies. It is exactly what Chinese reformists wanted to do one century ago, but failed. China is a bigger stone to roll than Singapore... Confucianism is not very cool: it's all about respecting your parents, your spouse, your boss, your friends, and educating well your kids. Not a trendy form of gouvernment, as it may not allow open rebellion against authorities, but it worked not so bad for nearly two millenaries, before collapsing under its own weight. In China they would like to get it back somewhat. NB: Confucianism is only very remotely related to Confucius' actual teaching.
  - drinian 16y ago
    I think that Pa Chin's classic novel Family is a pretty good exposition of the cruelties of Confucianism, as practiced in the Chinese middle class last century. Highly recommended.

alizaki 16y ago

having lived in Singapore for 6 years now, i can tell you its a fascinating story. Start with this book: http://www.amazon.com/Conversations-Lee-Kuan-Yew-Singapore/dp/9812616764 http://www.amazon.com/Conversations-Lee-Kuan-Yew-Singapore/d... - It's basically a free ranging interview with Lee Kuan Yew, the man who essentially engineered Singapore. if you dont want to get the book, just google him and read. Lots of very interesting articles.

gbog 16y ago
Never lived in Singapore but read about it. The trick is apparently to keep the Confucean culture alive and open it to new technologies. It is exactly what Chinese reformists wanted to do one century ago, but failed. China is a bigger stone to roll than Singapore... Confucianism is not very cool: it's all about respecting your parents, your spouse, your boss, your friends, and educating well your kids. Not a trendy form of gouvernment, as it may not allow open rebellion against authorities, but it worked not so bad for nearly two millenaries, before collapsing under its own weight. In China they would like to get it back somewhat. NB: Confucianism is only very remotely related to Confucius' actual teaching.
- drinian 16y ago
  I think that Pa Chin's classic novel Family is a pretty good exposition of the cruelties of Confucianism, as practiced in the Chinese middle class last century. Highly recommended.