UCI-HIM-Haile-Selassie-I-Wisdom-14-Development

DEVELOPMENT

Although the beginnings of civilization of each country vary in time, the fundamental factors which gave impetus to each
country to awaken and embark on the road to progress to reach their present level of development, are those qualities which
are enshrined in the nature of man, namely desire and fortitude.

The partner who places his own short-range ambitions ahead of the long-range interests of the partnership has embarked on
a course which will ultimately result in the dissolution of the partnership itself.

It is by the understanding of past difficulties that we can bequeath fundamental guidance which would be of pride to the
coming generations we therefore urge our people to struggle and to make sacrifices for those things which will enable them
to ameliorate their conditions of life and leave a richer heritage.

Economic Development

Where enterprise and initiative are not lacking, the pace at which the growth of a country's economy normally proceeds can
be quickened or slackened by global developments far or near. In our effort to raise the living Standard of our beloved
people, in our endeavour to bring prosperity to our country, the feeling of cooperation and understanding has always
characterized our people.

A special case is the recent development in certain provinces where the people are seen voluntarily raising funds to build
schools, clinics, roads and similar other projects. What can give one more pleasure than to see such a measure of self-help in
one's life time, for the prosperity and progress of his own country? Let every citizen of our empire strive hard to strengthen
this spirit de corps everywhere.

We entrust the spirit of good-will to our people to work diligently and cooperatively in order to arrive at the realization of
this socioeconomic development that has been launched by either our government or our people. You have a rich land that
yields a variety of products, do not be contented with the satisfaction of your bare needs but instead, cultivate your land
among others with oleaginous plants, the seeds of which you can export for your greater benefit. Use the forest woods to
make furniture and implements and exchange them for money. Your workmanship will be a monument to your name.

One should realize that thriftiness is the basis for the accumulation of wealth and the economic growth of a nation. One
seldom minimizes the value of money earned by the sweat of the brow however small it may be, but for the extravagant even
a huge amount of money is worthless.

The co-operative movement has long been known throughout the world, and we Ourself have on numerous occasions urged
Our people to join increasingly in cooperative enterprises.

Co-operatives must, ultimately, play a highly important role in the growth of our economy, and no time can be lost in availing
ourselves of the benefits to be derived from them. During the past year, we decided upon a programme designed to provide
specific encouragement to the creation of agricultural co-operatives, and a number of Government-sponsored co-operatives,
farms have been established by Our Ministry of National Community Development. We have provided lands, agricultural
machinery and expert assistance to these farms and we entertain high hopes that their success will spur Our people to
embark increasingly upon co-operative endeavours. Should Our people fail to avail themselves of this opportunity, the
consequences
will be regrettable indeed.

Community Development

The fundamental purpose of a community development movement is to teach the rural people of Our Empire that through
cooperative self-help and a united approach to common problems, the vast potential for their own self-improvement which
they themselves represent, can be translated into effective programmes which can do much to improve their standard of
living.

Social Development

Lasting progress can only be built on deep and enduring foundations. When a solid foundation is laid, if the mason is able and
his materials good, a strong house can be built.

To develop oneself, one has to develop one's own initiative and perseverance - a man has to strive in order to grow. Let us
work out our own programmes in all fields - political, economic, social and military. Man's contributions which live to
influence the life and progress of posterity, are the most permanent monuments that can ever be created. We must become
increasingly willing to analyze our efforts, to experiment, to admit our failures as we take pride in our successes.