Chapter 81

Each of these "patches" seemed mediocre when read together as an essay. Yet, when read individually, each statement was particularly striking. Egbert continued reading, "Regardless of the industry, we cannot say complacent. We have to step out of our local area and even beyond our nation to compete on the international stage. "No flowers shall bloom in isolation. Hundreds and thousands of voices must come together as one. Only through this, our nation and citizens can gain respect. Only then can the world hear our deafening roar!" When Egbert finished reading the final sentence, his emotions were anything but calm. He thought that he had understood the essay. Yet, as he read it aloud to the room, he felt even more emotional than ever. This wasn't any essay. It was a compass for public welfare, economic matters, military affairs, and even national development! The significance of its core ideas was self-evident. No one in the room spoke. Even those who had come to watch the commot