Lee Kuan Yew was the prime minister of Singapore from 1959 to 1990. During his reign, Singapore transformed from being a jungle with a British military base into a global trade node and one of the wealthiest nations in the world. One can argue that he is one of the greatest statesmen ever.
Why listen to Lee Kuan Yew?
Nation builders are a rare breed. Lee Kuan Yew built Singapore into the powerhouse it is today. If you look at the neighbouring countries and take into account the fact that Singapore does not have natural resources – they even bring the water from abroad – it is clear that something extraordinary happened there. It is worth taking a closer look.
What can you learn from Lee Kuan Yew?
You learn how to deal with adversity. You learn how to lead a new nation that does not have a clear identity but is formed from several ethnic groups with their own culture and identity. Lee Kuan Yew is a masterful speaker and it is delightful to hear how he handles tough questions in interview situations. It is also worth listening to his geopolitical perspectives and hear how he balances his views between the East and the West.
Quotes / Ideas
“A nation is great not by its size alone. It is the will, the cohesion, the stamina, the discipline of its people and the quality of their leaders which ensure it an honourable place in history.”
“The task of the leaders must be to provide or create for them a strong framework within which they can learn, work hard, be productive and be rewarded accordingly. And this is not easy to achieve.”
“A society to be successful must maintain a balance between nurturing excellence and encouraging the average to improve.”
“No, your job as a leader is to inspire and to galvanize, not to share your distraught thoughts. You make your people dispirited.”
Resources
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