Think Tanks and Septic Tanks

Really progressive countries place a premium on improving quality of life of citizens. They believe in having Think Tanks to render expert advice to various departments, bodies and agencies within the government. This is to have the benefit of pooling ideas from all sources, discussions and take the best for implementation.

In UK in the mid 20th century there was the Brains Trust, which included great men like Bernard Shaw. In USA President Kennedy had Think Tank with eminent men, academicians and scientists. Think Tanks are used for evolving national goals and for solving key issues with the best available expertise. There was the National Goals Research Commission in USA.These bodies had the pick of eminent men with a mission for developing plans for the country based on realistic and positive approach. These were healthy developments. They studied the needs of citizens in an order of priority, collected adequate data rapidly, analyzed them and brought out useful practical recommendations for the benefit and development of the citizens and the state.

Top leaders develop core competence with the help of these Think Tanks whose advice they take seriously. The result has a chain effect and the ripples of competence spread all over the country. They give importance to brainy people who give advice on policy matters. Such advice is considered valuable and accepted.

In contrast, stagnant and decaying democracies in their selfish interest set up advisory bodies born out of expediency. These are in effect and for want of better expression Septic Tanks. They consist of mediocre men and stooges who take their tickets to mediocrity. They have unique negative thinking. They oppose any good measure brought about by anyone. They never allow intelligent beings to come near them for assistance unless it suits their sectarian approach and outlook.