Man and machine are the two areas that can be influenced towards progress in economics both in spiritual economics as well as earthly economics. Other names of these two areas can be matter with machine and knowledge with will. Although 90% of the potential for manipulation are in matter with machine, it is in the area of human knowledge with will (motivation) that progress can start off, be sustained, and be finished. In matter with machines, the more recent significant contributions have been Henry Ford's assembly line and standardization. These two have contributed a great deal to manufacturing. But if we go back earlier, the big contributions have been the wheel, the smelting of iron, Mendelian manipulation of genes, the identification of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) as the major plant foods, harnessing of electricity, the combustion engine, and the discovery of plastic and of the electron. Most of these we take for granted in our everyday life. At present some of the more promising breakthroughs are in nano-size materials and their manipulation, stem cells, and renewable energy.

For progress, the manipulation of matter with machines constitutes the bulk of potential inventions but it is the development of the inventor or man and his knowledge with will that triggers and develops these possibilities. Education, not only of youth but continuous educations of every citizen, together with collection of knowledge, improved skills, and collaboration in developing potentials is the critical ingredient. A sub-question is the relative importance of the formation of the individual compared to the social structures for collaboration. No doubt the development of the individual with his knowledge, skills, and orientation are primary. But the development of social structures cannot be ignored since man is a social animal that needs assistance of his fellow man as well as the Creator in developing and in accomplishing what is possible. The development of human skills and will (or motivation) is the kernel of all progress. The month-long spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius produced transformations in those who undertook them that they changed the face of Europe in the 16 century and continue to transform people today. Its secrets include the recall of basic eternal truths, total dedication, and continuous self improvement that it inculcates. After educating man to the best of his potentials (in spite of the constraints of time and space), he can tackle the social structures and matter with machines. This is where progress can be found.

In a nation then, the fostering of education, meaning the development of skills, knowledge, and motivation, of its individual citizens in truth and goodness come first; then the development of structures to foster collaboration and the harnessing of machines and material available in the nation towards mutual prosperity. Harnessing and developing the individual potential of its citizens is no easy task. It falls on the shoulders of its leaders and those who ambition to lead the nation. This task of leadership distinguishes those who really want to make the sacrifice demanded by leadership from those who merely ambition the trappings of leadership.

No doubt that the Lord God has blessed this nation with abundant resources, both material and human. It is up to the leaders to lead to the common good and for the citizens to collaborate and spread enthusiasm and happiness.

The Filipino is so blessed that he forgets what he has. Instead of thankfulness and cooperation he demeans himself in constant criticism of others, especially of leaders who cannot be expected to be perfect or to take the place of God Who can do everything. They can only go so far and do what they can. And we have to be grateful for this or what is the result of the efforts of leaders. To look at the shortcomings is interminable. It could be worse. We need to be grateful for what we have and get down to work at the same time, forgiving hurts received in the process of moving forward towards the common good.

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