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What ‘heart and soul’ should mean for a nation

I am heartened to hear Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin speak on the importance of nurturing the nation’s “heart and soul” and not only the importance of economic success. (“Minister Tan Chuan-Jin urges volunteerism among Singaporeans”; Sept 7, Channel NewsAsia)

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June Cheah-Nicholls

I am heartened to hear Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin speak on the importance of nurturing the nation’s “heart and soul” and not only the importance of economic success. (“Minister Tan Chuan-Jin urges volunteerism among Singaporeans”; Sept 7, Channel NewsAsia)

It is right for a society going on 50 years to reflect on less tangible but equally important virtues, to evolve and mature. So, what does it mean for any society to have a heart and soul?

It is about being less brash, less heartless, less self-centred and less conceited as individuals and remembering collectively that we are interdependent as a society.

It is about remembering where we have come from and where we are heading with equal importance. This gives perspective to our whole existence, and not only the here and now.

Just as we are the product of history, we are also the success of tomorrow if only we are learning continually, improving on our weaknesses and building steadily on our strengths and creativity.

“Heart and soul” is also about relationships: How we nurture bonds, respect one another and appreciate the favours done when we needed them most. Do we remember the friend, colleague or even a stranger who was a helping hand?

When called upon, do we do our part or assume that it is our right to be assisted and refuse to offer help?

If a society is cultivated on the premise of entitlement and greed, it is poorer for everyone, for it can never be at peace. Anxiety would prevail as each competes relentlessly for survival.

To have “heart and soul” is to remember that although we are individuals, a society needs to genuinely care and work together to grow and continue to prosper for the future.

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