I have a friend who is among a handful of thoughtful people I know. He shows interest and listens to what I say although he is not always in agreement. His comments to me are the reason why I chose to write this essay. While residing in the country of my dreams in 2003, I tried to imagine both the Ethiopia of myth and the Ethiopia of reality.

The Ethiopia of myth is the country of compassion and understanding, diversity and joy. I thought of a country rich in the arts, in faith, in language, and in a kind of transcendent relationship to those inside and outside of it. This is the Ethiopia I was raised to believe in. In my parents' stories of their home, there was no better place to live and breathe in. I grew up with that Ethiopia, like a song in my head that I couldn't forget. The Ethiopia of reality was the Ethiopia that burst forth during the civil war. This was an Ethiopia of self-destruction and intolerance, one that was reluctant to solve problems peacefully and logically, where religion and nationality made a difference and brought about division among us. When I saw that Ethiopia, I felt betrayed by the myth as many of us did. So I sought the things that bridged between the myth and the reality of Ethiopia: the businessmen, the artists and the musicians.

They became the bridges between the beauty of Ethiopia and its beast. There are but few visionary businessmen, like Alamoudi, whose deeds have the soul of the myth while addressing the reality. Their work has alleviated the fear and the sorrow of those feeling dispossessed and lost. In past conversation, I have talked of some of the things that are wrong in our culture. These discussions always point to personal responsibility. I also point out that personal responsibility is a missing factor in our citizenry. Our particular culture has gone to an extreme in abdicating responsibility. Some of these thoughts have depressed me. However, my compelling concern is about us. How are we going to change this hedonistic majority?

As clearly as I can say it, I am not writing for the majority. The majority will always be part of our culture. These are the majority Ethiopians that will make a great deal of noise, unrealistic demands, and pretend they understand what is going on. This is not a current phenomenon but a historical human condition. We cannot bring about a direct change; it is the normal condition of any society. We identify the majority by their outlook on life and behavior. They have a selfish attitude toward their friends, neighbors, community, and country. I am not writing this to the main stream. I am addressing thoughtful people. I am writing this for people who can bring about change. I am directing this work toward that handful of Ethiopians whom I am sure have greatness within them.

This is not about wealth or position. It is about vision. Contrary to common mythology, greatness is not thrust upon us. Great people see a need and step up to take care of the problem. They seek out power to do what must be done. What made the difference throughout human history is not the actions of the majority, but rather of their leaders. It is a time for greatness. Alas, Kennedy might have been such a man, had he been an Ethiopian. It was not too long ago when he spoke his famous word, 'Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country,' and people responded. Of those individuals I know that I could only name a few Ethiopians who would have that effect on our countrymen. Alamoudi and a few other individuals have proved to make a difference. Otherwise, the void still exists and is growing like a tumor. It's not about changing a mindset. It is about changing behavior.

Visionary people can do that. If we change behavior, the mindset may follow at some latter time. We can, however, convince them of the necessity of pulling together to the same direction for sake of our country like Japan and China did. We can, with the right people, inspire them to greater effort and to excellence. With that, we will gradually evolve and become a strong nation. This is a long-term aspiration. We cannot expect it overnight. This whole work is directed toward inspiring the right heroic people. I hope there is at least one great visionary person who is an Ethiopian. That is the person I am addressing. The point of this work is to introduce the reader to a philosophy that can be acquired and developed by visionary people. That person will be a true dominant in the best sense of the word. People will respond to him and act to implement his plans for the future. This will begin to fix Ethiopia. Without these determined individuals, none of the things that need to be fixed can be fixed. Nonetheless, I still intend to go through the laundry list of things that need to be fixed. Could you imagine if we have three Alamoudi's in Ethiopia? Please, do not fault me for living in the Ethiopia of myth.

Emmanuel Mekuria

Opinions expressed are those of individual authors.