The Biggest Risk: Excelling in the Past

A Milestone for Reflection

By Rev. David E. White, CPBPsy

Turning 58 is a significant milestone in the life of our nation. While there are many reasons to celebrate, the challenging times we currently face may be signalling the need for a substantial shift in mindset. The world is becoming increasingly fragile, anxious, and difficult to comprehend, and the pace of change is non-linear. In several sectors across Mauritius, there is a risk that we are excelling at addressing challenges of the past, rather than preparing for those of the future. As a nation, it is crucial to understand that the future is not something we predict; it is something we must actively prepare for. This is precisely the spark Vision 2050 aims to ignite.

Lessons from the Hare and the Tortoise

Lately I have come across the familiar fable of the hare and the tortoise, attributed to Aesop around 600 BCE. It has been retold for centuries to illustrate the value of steady effort over haste. Traditionally, it reinforces the belief that success is achieved through discipline, perseverance, and the mastery of established practices.

This lesson has long influenced our approaches to education, leadership, administration, and business, where efficiency and consistency are often celebrated. However, as history demonstrates, even simple stories evolve with context.

The story of the hare and the tortoise highlights how traditional lessons may not always prepare us for a fast-changing world.

Reinterpretations: Beyond the Original Fable

Things become especially interesting when examining different versions of the fable. The most familiar version is likely that of Jean de La Fontaine from 1668. Later, in 1857, Charles Bennett, a notable Victorian illustrator and children’s author, satirised London’s fashionable class by using Aesop’s animal allegory. In his version, the tortoise is depicted as a complacent, wealthy figure stepping on the hare (picture above), effectively reversing the traditional roles. Here, the “winner” symbolises authority and dominance rather than virtue and perseverance.

Another notable version appears in Lord Dunsany’s 1915 story, “The true story of the Hare and the Tortoise,” published in Fifty-One Tales. In this dark satire, the arrogant hare is compelled to race due to peer pressure, and the focus shifts to the forces of estrangement and disorder that led to the race. The hare’s arrogance contrasts with the tortoise’s confidence, which is reinforced by the belief of others. After the tortoise wins, a forest fire breaks out, and the animals choose to rely on the slow-moving tortoise to warn the rest of the forest. This provocative version prompts us to question how the moral of the story applies today.

Insights from Alternative Endings

The significance of these reinterpretations lies in their commentary on the absurdity of conflict: the animals become preoccupied with the “glorious victory for the forces of swiftness” even as danger approaches. This cautions that relying on past achievements may leave us unprepared for important new challenges when conditions shift. While History does not repeat itself exactly, it often exhibits recurring patterns. Approximately every century, societies undergo major transformations as new breakthroughs intersect and disrupt established institutions.

It is worth noting that Lord Dunsany published his version 111 years ago, yet the leaders he observed may bear resemblance to those of today. Though we are living in a different era, similar dynamics persist: a world experiencing significant global change and a renewed desire for certainty, simplicity, and authoritative confidence.

Leadership and Adaptation in Uncertain Times

Throughout history, certain leaders and organisations have succeeded by projecting strength and certainty, preserving the status quo, and presenting their approach as the only correct path. These strategies often resonate with the population, especially in times of instability. However, as circumstances evolve and unexpected challenges arise, the crucial question changes: rather than focusing on who succeeded by past standards, we must identify who can offer guidance and foresight in the face of new realities. The consequences of this shift extend beyond competition and can profoundly affect our future prospects.

The Need for a New Mindset

Today, the world is characterised by rapid change. The real danger for us lies in continuing to prepare for outdated challenges, focusing on past models instead of adapting to new realities. In Mauritius, we are confronted by a range of fast-moving forces, such as societal fractures and rising rage (e.g., feminicides, road rage, bullying), climate volatility, a drug epidemic involving synthetic opioids, and industry challenges brought about by AI and automation. These forces demand quick learning, agility, and bold strategies, rather than slow optimisation.

While efficiency and execution remain important, they are no longer sufficient in a fast-paced world shaped by artificial intelligence, global upheavals, and increasing expectations. Our country requires greater agility – not recklessness or speed for its own sake, but adaptability that goes beyond traditional measures of efficiency. Our operational models in all sectors cannot continue to prioritise “the value of steady effort over haste” or “authority and dominance” at the expense of responsiveness and imagination. If we are to achieve a vibrant, prosperous, and dynamic Mauritius in the years ahead, a drastic change in mindset is necessary. We must be willing to take intelligent risks, instead of always playing it safe.

Conclusion: Preparing for the Future

The challenge before us as a nation is clear: the future is not something we predict, but something we prepare for. Embracing this principle is essential if we are to navigate uncertainty and secure a better tomorrow for Mauritius.

Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 12 March 2026