Land: Is It Time for a Change in Direction?

Hezel, Francis X. (1999-11-30). [www.micsem.org Land: Is It Time for a Change in Direction?]. Micronesian Counselor (Report). Kolonia, Pohnpei: Micronesian Seminar. pp. 1–8.

• Has attachment: File:JANV3GSL.pdf

Abstract: Traditions are as vital to the life and welfare of a people as their cash income. People live by their myths, and we have no right to do violence to the quasi-sacral nature of the traditional links of people and their land. On the other hand, the world that Micronesians now inhabit has changed in fundamental ways that are not always reflected in these myths. People ought to be left with their myths intact, but they should not fool themselves into believing that these are operative today in the same way as in years past. Retention of myths is one thing; pretending that the social realities today are ruled by them is another. The latter is what must be changed in Micronesia if land is ever to be used as effectively as it should be in bringing about the development that is encouraged by our leaders.