Only divinely favored humans can transcend egoistic level.

The statement that only divinely favored humans can transcend their egoistic nature cuts deep in today's Maldives. We see this playing out daily in our political landscape, where personal gain often overshadows public service. When leaders prioritize their interests over national welfare, what does that say about our collective future? Consider the housing crisis in Malé. Government-subsidized flats meant for struggling families are being subleased for profit by leaseholders living comfortably abroad. These individuals don't even pay rent to the government, creating a system where the intended beneficiaries—ordinary Maldivians—remain trapped in overcrowded conditions. Why does this injustice persist? Because those with power benefit from maintaining the status quo. The same pattern repeats in our bloated public sector. Dozens of ministers per ministry, countless politically appointed staff drawing salaries without meaningful work—this isn't efficient governance. This is nepotism and political patronage disguised as public service. When positions become rewards for loyalty rather than competence, the entire nation suffers from inefficiency and wasted resources. Our economic challenges reflect this egoistic approach too. Resort owners park their earnings abroad while the country faces foreign currency shortages. Expatriate remittances drain our reserves while many young Maldivians struggle to find employment. The high cost of living continues to climb due to government money printing and rising taxes. Who bears the burden? The ordinary citizen, not the politically connected elite. Even our healthcare system shows the consequences of self-interest over principle. The Aasandha insurance scheme, meant to provide medical security for all, is exploited through provider overcharging while medicine shortages plague our hospitals. Many must travel abroad for treatment they should receive at home. When systems designed to protect become opportunities for profit, have we lost our moral compass? The question isn't whether humans are inherently subjective—we know this to be true. The real question is whether our society can create systems that encourage principled leadership despite human nature. Can we build institutions strong enough to withstand the pull of personal interest? Or are we destined to cycle through leaders who serve themselves first and the nation second? Perhaps the solution lies not in waiting for divinely favored individuals, but in demanding accountability from those we elect. When we stop accepting corruption as inevitable and nepotism as normal, we create space for principles to flourish. The moldy bread at Fantasy Bakery shouldn't be taken out on the cashier—but neither should we accept moldy governance from our leaders.