I haven’t reviewed other comments, yet, but this reminded me that many years ago President Lula said (I think during an interview or debate, while running for a second term) every fisherperson knows that, when one goes fishing, it’s necessary to bring along the proper equipment—and a prepared meal or snack to sustain the time and effort the fishery might take. You don’t fish hungry, much less starving. I can’t find the precise source because any google search gets full of other irrelevant materials—actually, there are too many sources linking Lula and his policies (Fome Zero, Bolsa Familia, etc.) to this proverb, and his team has often tried to reformulate it in ways like “we’ll give fish PLUS teach fishing”. But I think nothing trumps this old extended metaphor (and the way it was phrased really made it seem like the credit belongs to him—but that’s the talent of a populist, to display the wisdom of the avg Joe). Btw, “Lula” means “squid” in Portuguese, a delicacy for fisherpeople- maybe another evidence of nominative determinism?
“A wish for money can spark a fire of self-sufficiency, and direct giving provides the fuel to keep it burning bright.”
When we grant a wish for money to a person in need, we give them a chance to create a brighter future for themselves. It’s not just a handout, but a hand up towards self-sufficiency, and a commitment to empowering individuals towards greater independence.
Give a poor person a wish, and she will wish for money. You may think this will feed her for a day, but data shows it will feed her for a lifetime.
Any suggestions to improve this idea? :)
I haven’t reviewed other comments, yet, but this reminded me that many years ago President Lula said (I think during an interview or debate, while running for a second term) every fisherperson knows that, when one goes fishing, it’s necessary to bring along the proper equipment—and a prepared meal or snack to sustain the time and effort the fishery might take. You don’t fish hungry, much less starving.
I can’t find the precise source because any google search gets full of other irrelevant materials—actually, there are too many sources linking Lula and his policies (Fome Zero, Bolsa Familia, etc.) to this proverb, and his team has often tried to reformulate it in ways like “we’ll give fish PLUS teach fishing”. But I think nothing trumps this old extended metaphor (and the way it was phrased really made it seem like the credit belongs to him—but that’s the talent of a populist, to display the wisdom of the avg Joe).
Btw, “Lula” means “squid” in Portuguese, a delicacy for fisherpeople- maybe another evidence of nominative determinism?
“A wish for money can spark a fire of self-sufficiency, and direct giving provides the fuel to keep it burning bright.”
When we grant a wish for money to a person in need, we give them a chance to create a brighter future for themselves. It’s not just a handout, but a hand up towards self-sufficiency, and a commitment to empowering individuals towards greater independence.