Nothing does itself

A country's primary purpose should be to setup a program under which the evils of idleness would be done away with. Where independence, industry, thrift and self respect would be once more established among people.

The aim should be to help the people help themselves. Work is to be re-enthroned as a ruling principle in our lives. We can surely not have the opinion that we should have all the world has to offer, without effort, without work. There is no magic about it.

Someone has to plan ; someone has to think, someone has to save; someone has to plough and plant, to manage. Someone has to do everything. Nothing does itself!

The place to teach good work habits is in the home. Parents can by example teach work patterns that their children will follow in their own homes later. Children who learn the joy of working alongside their parents are more likely to to teach their own children the joy of work.

Each one of us is responsible for being such an example to those around us. An elderly gentleman had this to say: I do have one talent to offer. My father taught me how to work. Be happy every morning that you get up, that you have something to do that day which must be done. Working earnestly will breed in you temperance, self-control, diligence and strength of cheerfulness and content and a hundred virtues the idle will never know.

Generations have passed without the above. It will take a concerted effort to correct the problem. The evils of idleness, if I may mention a few ; obesity, needing psychologists, lack of routine ( children actually crave routine) and as a result learning problems and slothfulness, disrespect for parents and elders.

Sources : Y Van Eck. Bachelor of Education. ( B.ED). Pixabay