George Yeo on Bonsai, Banyan and the Tao

Since his undergraduate days in Cambridge, George Yeo has spoken and written much in and out of government. Many remember the things which he said or wrote years ago. This book is a compilation of some of his best speeches and writings which were selected by Asad Latif and Lee Huay Leng in consultation with him. The book has a rather unusual title because there are many aspects to George Yeo which makes him difficult to classify. As a student leader, he was radical but conciliatory. In the Singapore Armed Forces, he was atypical, moving from the Army to the Air Force before becoming Director of Joint Operations and Planning. In politics, he is fondly remembered by artists, journalists, doctors, businessmen and foreign diplomats, and by his colleagues and constituents. His own staff said he had a curious mind. They complained that he rarely used the drafts which they had prepared for him. George Yeo describes himself as a Taoist even though he is a Roman Catholic and is now on the Papal staff. Buddhists are surprised he championed the revival of Nalanda University as an international project. He remains close to Singaporeans of different races and religions even though he has a deep sense of his own ancestral roots and religion. In politics, he has been described both as a liberal and a conservative. In his Parliamentary maiden speech, he spoke of the importance of democracy but has repeated many times that democracy is only a means and not an end in itself. He has a deep interest in history which partly explains his seeing the re-emergence of China and India earlier than most others. The bonsai and the banyan are metaphors he uses for Singapore. Singapore is a city-state and must never have an inflated view of itself. The bonsai describes Singapore modestly, but he adds that the bonsai can be intensely interesting and valuable. The banyan provides shade and we are grateful for it, but too much makes us weak. As for the Tao, that perhaps is what gives unity to his many interests. Contents:Singapore and PoliticsCulture and ValuesMedia and Social MediaGeopoliticsAppendices Readership: The general public, policy-makers and academics keen on Asian politics and international relations. Keywords:George Yeo;Singapore;Politics;Economy;PAP;General ElectionReviews: "This is a wonderful book by one of the foremost statesmen and social thinkers of our time. Though the themes covered display a huge variety in this wide-ranging collection of essays and speeches by George Yeo, there is a foundational interest in Asia's vast possibilities that motivates his illuminating and powerful reflections." Amartya Sen Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences “Every reader will take away something from the collection … I thought I knew what made me personally appreciate him as a political figure. The fuller picture revealed in his speeches shows us someone who is searching deeply and widely for answers to the human condition. This is someone we should all want to know better.” Professor Wang Gungwu Chairman of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and East Asian Institute "As can be seen in this splendid collection of speeches and commentaries, George Yeo's knowledge is wide-ranging as well. He can speak informatively about everything from the arrival and impact of the Internet in traditional societies to the role of city-regions in a globalized world to the woes and wonders of multi-ethnic and multi-religious polities. The reader will be well-rewarded by delving into this rich depository of insights and ideas." Nicolas Berggruen Chairman of the Berggruen Institute and Berggruen Holdings "This thick tome by George Yeo may help you pass your General Paper exams. His views can be unconventional and unexpected. For some, this book could be a collection of quotable quotes. For others, hopefully a challenge to rise and make Singapore a great home for us all." Mothership.sg Singaporean digital news agency “George Yeo's thinking is clear, consistent, and, at times, controversial. It is underpinned by a deep knowledge of history. This collection of speeches provides timely insight into the development of Singapore — and food for thought on some of today's most challenging issues.” Sunday Morning Post "It demonstrates the breadth of knowledge, depth of thinking, and the rare penmanship that communicates his perspectives in a style both lucid and succinct … The gems of wisdom in this book were crystallized by an avid scholar of international relations, philosophy, public policy, and area studies, who embodies the ideals of a scholar-statesman with notable achievements in military, academia, politics, religion and business." Asian Journal for Public Affairs