A different way In Costa Rica, it’s even scary to propose!
The fable of the pots of lobsters in boiling water could not be truer. While the German or gringas would all be saved, in a collective effort to get out alive, in our country it seems that we prefer to die before helping each other. Not in vain, the absolute majority of the country’s best and brightest talent shuns public service and remains in the private sphere.
With the inspiring example of extraordinary figures in history, such as Mandela, Gandhi or King, we must give ample space to the proactive and generous spirit that genuinely seeks to make a contribution to the country. Just as we will live our entire lives on our only planet, we must care for, protect and build a better future for Costa Rica, for the simple reason that we will probably also live on it until we die. And even then, our sons and daughters will carry on afterwards.
Einstein already said it when he insisted on defining dementia as trying different results by doing the same thing. And as I love the idea proposed by Davinci, highlighting simplicity as the ultimate sophistication, we need a different way. For decades parties and candidates have been running for political office, while in parallel all kinds of private initiatives are undertaken, from companies to movements, usually disconnected from each other and without any shared direction.
Thus, on an idea proposed by Figueres, a growing group of Costa Ricans and residents in the country decided to try this different path. In short, the Costa Rican Way is an open, participatory and multisectoral initiative focused on joining together to reimagine the Costa Rica of the future, as well as to propose the route to make it a reality.
I understand that the popular thing to do is to criticize, sawing floors, trashing and throwing dirt. However, what is different today is to join in, propose ideas, leave your personal comfort zone and move towards the greatest possible contribution. Whatever your moment or circumstance, you will probably agree that we cannot not change the world. Or at least try to the best of our abilities and resources.
Along the way, contributors with ideas, proposals and resources to the Costa Rican Way will make their own decisions. As the Vía advances, some will start businesses, others will begin their studies, some will decide to change course and others will move forward with their plans. It is logically a living, dynamic and open movement.
For this reason, if José María Figueres decides to aspire to the candidacy of Liberation in April 2013, an announcement he will make next November, he will do so as a Costa Rican citizen in his legitimate right to do so. The challenge of the Costa Rican Way will be to surpass its founder, transcend in influence, redesign the country and serve effectively for 15 or 20 more years.
Life goes on, the world keeps turning and it is hard for anyone to stagnate.
