N.R. Williams' May 31 letter, "Motivations that drive people," was very interesting. Some distinguished economists tend to use mathematics as a tool to analyze economic activity and make suggestions for policymakers in government. However, the economy cannot be measured by numbers and statistics. The reality of the economy must be clarified.
Today most developed countries are facing the first serious economic recession of its type in a hundred years. Many people, in particular younger people, have to look for jobs every day. On the other hand, the older generations are worried about their future because the financial resources for government welfare programs are decreasing year by year. It will be very difficult for them to depend on the pension system. What is urgently needed is to create a society that enables the general public to find a job and to have expectations for their future. How can we attain this?
We hope for the emergence of a leader who inspires, motivates and drives people to create a new society based on an epoch-making social and economic philosophy. A warm heart, cool head and acceptability to dialogue with people from all walks of life are required, along the lines of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Lyndon B. Johnson and Barack Obama — great political leaders, not economists.