Singapore can be more adventurous

WITH a twinkle of child-like wonder in his eye, historian Prasenjit Duara is ever hopeful. Here he is on:

The deadliest moments in world history:

'When profits and prophets come together.'

What drives the world:

'History changes very fast and under capitalism, it changes faster still.'

The 21st century's biggest problem:

'We've reached the point where nobody is willing to give up anything for anything.'

The need to think about others more:

'National goals and ideas continue to be the most important means for people to get ahead in society. But they're also very limiting, especially when we want to create new goals.'

Why earlier notions about citizenship have to change:

'(Countries like Armenia, India and Pakistan) literally taught you how to love your country and hate your enemies. Chinese textbooks have enormous amounts of 'who's the enemy' and 'who's the friend'.'

Why multi-culturalism is especially vital today:

'We're entering a stage where cultural hybridity and cultural connections are going to be central to survival and sustainability.'

Singapore:

'Because of its location, Singapore is overly careful and does not take major risks especially in society and culture. But there seems to be enough economic and social security for it to be a little more adventurous.'

A Singaporean he admires:

'I'm a great fan of (Foreign Minister) George Yeo, who's very visionary. Whenever I hear him say something, I'm very encouraged. We need (his ideas) to translate more on the ground.'

Source: Straits Times, 19 Jan 2010.