I got schooled

I had some thoughts after watching a Joseph Schooling special on toggle. The host mentioned how his win united our nation like never before, but I think this isn't never before because the first great unison should have happened during our late Mr Lee Kuan Yew's era. I find the timing of all these events really interesting because just like how our seniors, parents and grandparents' generation felt so strongly about the loss of our founding father, precisely because they grew up with him and he was their hero... Joseph's win is just relighting the fire and he is now taking this place to be the hero for this younger generation after.

How wonderful it is, and I'm pretty sure this will definitely go into our social studies and history textbooks for the future generations to come. Not to forget the Singapore Studies modules at NUS (haha).

With PM Lee's unwell moment during the rally yesterday and the sad news about our Former President S R Nathan today... I think Joseph Schooling's win couldn't have come at a better time. And for that I am thankful for him for being a source of light and hope at a time when things are increasingly uncertain and times are hard. And I really respect our Prime Minister so much, to insist on completing his rally despite being over exhausted and over worked.

This is definitely a nation-building moment. I feel a little relieved that Singapore finally has something to be very proud of and I hope this spurs us to believe more in ourselves, regardless of whether the government is able to provide sufficient support.

Because ultimately if we really want it we should work hard for it with our own hands.

So I really wish people can stop the hate and criticism online and really count our blessings. Nothing can be perfect in this world and before you start with the hate and criticisms (which are easy to say), never forget to acknowledge our blessings, our development today worldwide, and our progress within such a short span of time. It might be unfortunate, but perhaps this is the sacrifice we had to make, the opportunity cost that was incurred, as we pursue the economical and financial goals.

I do not disagree that more support could have been given in areas such as sports and arts, but I think that maybe this is a good time to see that change. Like what Schooling said, I hope this paves a new road for sports too.

Side note. I really think Singaporeans work so much. We are overworked. I sincerely hope this can change because life is too short to not have a healthy amount of time spent enjoying it.