Learn to take criticism
Ziauddin Choudhury's excellent article (20th Sep) points out that the greatest threat to democracy is the absence of criticism.
I first had evidence of this factor in Bangladeshi life when, many years ago, the superintendent of the school, where I was Principal, came back from getting my work permit and visa and said, gloomily, “The home ministry has a collection of your letters published in The Daily Star. Please be careful!” I am still intrigued by this image of myself as a subversive. Is a 12-year commitment to Bangladesh no defence?
Those who applauded ZC's article may also like the following from 'Fateful Choices' by Sir Ian Kershaw, a military historian, writing about the decisions taken in the Second World War, contrasting those made in the democracies to those made by Hitler, Mussolini and Stalin:
'A despot's entourage of nervous sycophants is clearly the worst environment for good decision-making. The leaders of democracies are in less danger, but unless they have good intelligence and unless their subordinates are prepared to present facts that contradict their chief's mindset, they too can make terrible blunders. The worst folly of decision-makers is to believe their own propaganda.'
Listening to the opinion of those who disagree with us is not 'submission'; it is long-term self-interest.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments