Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

There's a difference between being able to do something and being motivated to do it.


So any country could go to the moon, build 2nm chips? In your opinion its just motivation.

In the real world: there are - sadly - such things as failed states and failed societies.


I'm not sure your argument is making any sense.

Are you saying the reason roads are bad in some parts of Africa is that the people there are too dumb to know how to repair the roads? That their problem is figuring out how to mix and pour asphalt, cement, or gravel on their roads?

That would be very dumb, if that's what you are saying.


No, I'm saying their/our societies are broken. Wrong values, wrong incentives w.r.t. to the skills required to build modern, well-maintained cities with roads, schools, hospitals, etc. when compared to similar peers in e.g. Asia.

Of course they are intellectually capable of laying asphalt, but they end up spending it on salaries, ridiculously enriching small elites, etc. Its not unique to Africa, but its certainly endemic here.

And not all of the citizens like it like this - hence the massive diaspora. Which is why I used the word "failed", not "dumb".

But thanks for taking my comment in the best possible interpretation - perhaps you should refresh yourself with the HN guidelines if these kinds of serious conversations distress you.

Footnote: I se you say you are from Ghana. Well Ghana and Singapore become independent at about the same time. Both got to run their country themselves. Only one decided it was important for their families and grandchildren to pour said asphalt.


> Wrong values, wrong incentives

> Of course they are intellectually capable of laying asphalt, but they end up spending it on salaries.

> Only one decided it was important for their families and grandchildren to pour said asphalt.

Are these statements not supporting what I originally said: that there is a difference between ability and motivation?




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: