How do you compare Asians with their neighbors in
terms of thinking? True there are a few exceptions, but one can hardly argue that
societies who spend centuries in underdevelopment are great at thinking. It is naive for
every Asian to reject this painful issue.
In early 20th century, it was perceived that a few Asian countries would follow
the Japanese model to become like Western countries. However, a painful event repeated and
these nations again witnessed a downfall. It is still early to say how serious this
downfall is, but since Asians have been unsuccessful several times in achieving
prosperity, they should review their goals and prospects in this new century and new
millennium. Asians should not fall into a misconception that they have achieved
prosperity. The new challenge for them now is to re-examine social, political and
philosophical aspects of their societies. To this end, again the important question is:
Can Asian think?
In 1996, 3.5 million out of 5 million (70%) population of the world was Asians. From a
conservative point of view, in 2050, 5.7 billion of 9.8 billion of world population will
live in Asia, while the population in North America and Europe would remain the same.
There is no doubt that in the past centuries Europeans and then North Americans had a
major part in development of human civilization. In 2050 Europeans and North Americans
would constitute one-tenth – from the current one-sixth – of the world
population. Will 90% of world population continue to rely on this minority in the future?
If the population of the globe becomes two folds in the next fifty years, will this
minority be able to keep its part in the world civilization? The fact is that raising the
above question does not mean that the mental capabilities of Asians are limited.
One thousand years ago, when Chinese, Indonesians and Muslims were leading civilizations
in science and technology, it was insane to predict that these nations would be subject to
a historical backwardness and Europe would dominate the world, while this is exactly what
happened in the world.
But it did not take place overnight: Until 16th century, Asian countries kept pace with
Europe in terms of development and not a sign of backwardness could be seen. If Asians can
think we, why only one single Asian community has been able to reach the West?
The answer is: Asians are able to think well. Evidence to this is the unbelievable
economic growth of Asian nations. Japanese model for success was followed by economic
tigers – South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore. The success of these countries
persuaded other Southeast Asian nations – including Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand
– to follow suit.
Now China, with a potential to surpass the United Sates, is predicted to be the biggest
economic power of the globe in 2020. Asian growth rate is shocking: It took England 578
years (since 1780) to double its economic efficiency, for the U.S. it took 47 years (since
1839) and for Japan this figure is 33 years (since 1880), while these figures for
Indonesia, South Korea and China are respectively 17, 11 and 10 years.
Between the 1960 and 1990, the Southeast Asian economic miracle grew at a higher rate than
anywhere else in the world. This growth rate has been unprecedented in the human history.
The economic explosion was only thanks to hard work and mental power of Asian nations and
not a windfall fortune.
Asia’s economic explosion was only thanks to hard wo rk and mental power
of nations, not a windfall fortune |
The second reason for a positive answer to the above question is
that a big shift has occurred in the minds of many Asians. They believed over centuries
that the only way for prosperity is entering a rivalry with the West. This mental shift
has occurred gradually and intangibly. Until recent years, Western societies were seen as
successful models of welfare, political stability, prosperity and a moral purity that
provided the best condition for the success of their citizens. Today, Western countries
have kept their welfare and high living standards, but Asians do not see them as a model
anymore; they believe they can create a new pattern.
The present era is not the first time that Asians have thought well. As more numbers of
Asians gradually do away with poverty, they have more economic freedom for contemplation,
and rediscovering their cultural heritage. They are realizing that their societies have a
rich cultural and philosophical heritage and they can revive it and use it as a complement
for their civilized and developed countries.
The wealth of Chinese, Indian and Islamic civilizations have been confirmed by Western
scholars. In fact, during the past centuries, research and endeavors of Western scientists
have done a lot to preserve Eastern civilizations, as Muslims preserved the Greek and
Roman civilizations in the dark ages of Europe, and transferred them to the next
generation.
For example, at a time when Asian cultures were on the verge of destruction, Western
museums and universities preserved the best arts and cultures that had emerged in Asia and
even helped them grow. The more energy Asians spend to study their own traditional
cultures, they would be witnesses to more flourishing of their minds.
For the first time in centuries, Asians are obtaining a new self-confidence. Those who
visit Asian cities, from Tehran to Bombay and Shanghai, from Singapore to Hong Kong, can
observe this self-confidence and devotion to Asian native culture and languages. As their
economic status moves to a higher level, Asian people have more time to spend on their
traditional arts, such as dance and theater. This is a new stage in rediscovering
Asia’s cultural heritage, which is a source of pride for them.
It is obvious that the 21st century and the third millennium would bear lots of challenges
for Asian nations. They have been behind the Western countries for five hundred years in
terms of economy and science and they are now determined to make up for their
backwardness. Once they emerge successful in their efforts to do so, a definite answer for
the question “Can Asians think?” would be possible. Until then, they would find
out that they have done a great favor to themselves in leaving this question unanswered!
They only ones who can answer this question are Asians themselves.
Ten Notes to Developing
Countries
1. Blame yourselves for
failing to achieve a sustainable development. Blaming other countries in the name of
imperialism and exploitation would be an escape from self-evaluation.
2. You must admit that corruption is the major obstacle on the way of development.
Industrialized nations are not free from corruption, but with the wealth they have
accumulated, they can easily avoid financial scandals.
3. Do not pay subsidies for any types of goods. Do not punish farmers for the benefit of
urban citizens. High prices are an indicator of a large production sector. If a rebellion
erupts for food, you would step down of power.
4. Stop government control over free market. You should trust your nation. A lively and
productive people can achieve development.
5. Do not receive more loans. Try to attract foreign investments. Just develop the
necessary infrastructure. Do not accept fruitless projects, like railways that lead to
deserts. No loan should be received for helping the ailing domestic industries.
6. Try the path others have went along to reach prosperity. Do not invent the wheel again!
Do not be a captive in the hands of your old ideologies.
7. Forget the teachings of Carl Marx and learn those of Adam Smith; this is what Germans
have done and achieved success.
8. Try to be modest in achieving development. Do not teach the developed world. They have
politely listened to these lessons in 1960’s and 1970’s. They are not ready to
listen anymore.
9. Give up North-South dialogue, which only encourages hypocrisy. Remember that those
countries, which receive largest amounts of lending, have failed to achieve progress. Do
away with all development theories.
10. Never lose hope. All the world’s people are equal. What Europe achieved
successfully yesterday, the developing world would achieve tomorrow. This is a workable
prediction. |
