"The only way we can survive is to be brutally realistic."
A giant who transformed the island nation of Singapore, once nothing but swamps and mosquitoes, into Asia's leading financial empire by GDP per capita. A modern philosopher-king who chose 'system and meritocracy' over democracy.
1. An Abhorrence of Populism
Lee Kuan Yew despised populism. Convinced that sweet, free welfare eroded national industriousness, he enforced a rigorous meritocracy and a strong rule of law centered on fines, scoffing at the hypocrisy of Western-style democracy.
2. Unadulterated Diplomatic Pragmatism
Singapore's stance amidst great powers like the United States and China was solely 'Does this benefit us?' He discarded ideological pride as mere refuse in the face of national survival.