It was a beautiful Sunday morning as I settled down to read the papers. It was sometime in mid-February of 2009, and we were in the midst of what is arguably the worst economic crisis the world has even seen.

I flipped through the first few pages. There was the usual news about US government bailouts, and assurances that the bailouts will work given a little time. There were some rumors about a big bank in Europe being in trouble, and some minister was quoted as saying that inflation will start to be a concern in the coming months.

I turned to the local section. There were some investors asking a local bank to compensate them for losses sustained. A government minister was saying that we have enough in the kitty for any and all eventualities, should they arise. And then, a comment from a graduate of a local university regarding the financial situation caught my eye.

He said, "The government expects us to be self-reliant. But how can I be self-reliant if I can't get a job?"

That comment disturbed me.

He is a university graduate, probably reasonably intelligent and capable. As a graduate, he would have been taught to think for himself. He should have a wide perspective on things and be able to approach a problem or situation from different angles. He should be well-read and be familiar with world affairs.

In short, a graduate would have the best education that the country has to offer.

As a result of his education, I would expect a little more from him. It might be too much to expect him to want to be the CEO or founder of the next Fortune 500 company, or to invent the first human powered craft, or to eradicate poverty.

But still....I expected him to dream. Or, at the very least, to be proactive.

But when faced with a financial problem, his response was that he needs a job.

What do you think?