Many a time have we been mesmerised by Singapore’s success and prosperity but little do we realise the key-factor behind it is the sense of discipline, which Singaporeans have chiselled through decades. Discipline is defined as “the sacrifice of a man’s comfort, inclination, safety, even life, for others, for something greater than himself. It is the refusal to be the weak link in the chain that snaps under strain”. Broadly speaking, no society, no country, no individual can achieve progress without discipline. It is a priceless asset in life. Every sphere of life and social activity must be governed by discipline. Otherwise, there will be anarchy and the law of the jungle will prevail. It will spell out gloom and doom everywhere. No system can function with indiscipline. It will collapse.

Discipline is of two types: one comes from within and the other is enforced by the authorities. Self-discipline is more difficult as it implies a capacity for self-restraint, self-criticism and through prowess of one’s own convictions. We must master our feelings. Self-discipline is seen in those who fast and we can but admire these devotees. Whereas in the second case, we are dictated by outside forces and behave in accordance with them. Self-discipline differs from military discipline in that the first stresses upon mental and spiritual aspects and the second on practical achievements. The second type of discipline arises out of fear of punishment.

In Mauritius, there is much indiscipline without our realising it and we must try by all means to inculcate the notion of discipline into the population. Discipline is the basis of all achievements. At school, rules and regulations must be abided by and the youth in their rebellious years may chafe at discipline but they will appreciate its value in later years. At home, if the family has no discipline the place may turn into a hotel where each and everyone may come and go as they want. On the roads, there is much indiscipline among motorists and our country has become one of the most dangerous places to drive in. There is much litter in public places and what is most heart-rending is to visit public beaches after a week-end to witness the damage caused by undisciplined citizens. Who cares, as some irresponsible people may think? But can we let our country go to the dogs?

Punctuality when attending a social function becomes difficult for some to follow. It is always the same faces that come late for a wedding or religious ceremony. Once a priest had to publicly admonish a latecomer to the baptism of a child. Latecomers do not realise that they are penalising others. Punctuality at work is another disease that grips our system. The latecomers may come forward with flimsy excuses but if only they had known how to manage their time they would not have turned up late. Only a dose of discipline can cure that bad habit. Factories would have closed if there had been no discipline and many workers would have been thrown on the unemployment market.

Discipline is vital to one and all whatever walk of life we belong to. It will lead us to the ladder of success. Great men have painstakingly slogged to achieve success. Through sustained work they have attained greatness. Where discipline is non-existent, it has to be imposed, imparted and made an integral part of our way of life.

Philip LI CHING HUM</B>