The Obsession with Secondary Greatness

 
I think the difference between stature and status is similar to that between primary greatness and secondary greatness. Stephen R. Covey defines primary greatness as having to do with a person's character, contributions, talents, creativity, and discipline, whereas secondary greatness is about positions, titles, awards, wealth, fame, and rankings.

It seems to me that the pervasive Singaporean obsession is with secondary greatness. And, sadly, nowhere is this more evident than in the education system. True, there are schools that have excellent programmes in place to mould their students to achieve primary greatness, and there are many noble teachers who are doing a great job of nurturing their students in that direction. Yet isn't it also the case that character education is often relegated to a very minor position vis-à-vis academic subjects, and that schools often offer CCAs that can bring in the medals and awards rather than those that cater to students' interests? The list of examples could go on and on, but I guess my point is evident and I shouldn't have to put my head on the block to belabour it.

One can only hope that, as we move forward in this age of enlightenment, more educators will wise up to the need for a solid character education programme that permeates the entire curriculum ('ubiquitous', to use Covey's term). Many of the aspirations and ideals we hold as a society, such as being more gracious, are dependent on good character education. I daresay that, to a great extent, the future of our nation depends on it.