ISAS Briefs

The reservoir of knowledge, collected over time from human experience leads us to conclude that all beliefs that are not re-energised or re-invigorated by reformation movements tend to wilt and wither. Those of the free market are no different. As history unfolded, these ideas were buffeted by adversities of real-world experience. But after each such experience they reemerged in new form, further sharpened and honed. That is why the current financial, or more aptly termed, economic crisis must be seen as an opportunity to seize upon, to feed that propensity of the market that has proved to be its more powerful tool of survival, that is, its ability to correct itself, perhaps with a little bit of help from society. In this phenomenon Asia has a leadership role to play, encompassing both growth and care for the poor.