I don’t know how true this story about Japan is, but it certainly holds lessons for all of us in Nigeria, where, as we speak and most unfortunately, the majority, are thieves.
If you don’t believe this, find out for example what percentage of school cert exam students do not cheat. In cohort with teachers, principals, invigilators, parents etc. (Except of course, 5% of schools owned by persons who simply won’t condone such things).
Evaluate by yourself what percentage of civil servants and government employees including the elected, live within their legitimate means.
How do we begin to change this? If we don’t, we’ll only sink deeper.
“STEALING REDUCES A MAN”
…Never in my life have I met Humans as civilized as the Japanese. They’re the true resemblance of the Image of GOD, yet among the least Religious People.
During my first trip to Japan, a Colleague from the US forgot his Laptop at the Park, of all Places. We rushed back there and the Place was closed for the day.
Everyone was relaxed except me and my friend. Even the Taxi Driver wasn’t bothered. He promised to drive us there by 9:00 a.m next day because Park opens 8.45 a.m.
He assured us we would get it back, that Japanese do not steal because stealing reduces a Man.
That statement almost knocked me to the Ground. This was 2012 not 1912.
These are People who apologize because you heard the sound of their Ringtone.
About 90% of Japanese leave their Phones on silent mode so as not to disturb the next Person.
They all have Earpiece and are even thinking of stopping having Horns in Motors because nobody uses it.
Long and short of the story is that we got there the next morning and the Attendant took us to where we sat and behold the Laptop was there.
It’s not by mistake that they are that prosperous. The gross mentality and personality of a People determines their level of wealth.
Stealing reduces a Man…. Can we just have this on a Billboard in every Open Places in Nigeria, including Aso Villa?
