Poetry: A Surprisingly Practical Tool for Development and Governance

President Museveni’s recent questioning of the practical utility of Shakespearean verses in an economy reliant on tangible skills has sparked debate. He characterized humanities courses as an economic ‘liability,’ a perspective that overlooks the multifaceted contributions of the arts.

An encounter with an American doctor offered a different viewpoint, highlighting the multidisciplinary nature of progress. The doctor explained how poetry serves as a valuable tool in rehabilitating stroke victims, aiding in the recovery of cognitive functions, processing trauma, and improving communication abilities through assistive literature therapy. The act of reading and writing poetry can stimulate dormant neural pathways, enhance focus, and refine analytical skills.

Beyond therapeutic applications, poetry’s principles can illuminate the realm of politics. The adage, ‘You campaign in poetry, you govern in prose,’ reflects the common chasm between idealistic campaign promises and the pragmatic realities of governing. This disconnect often leads to inconsistent leadership and erodes public trust. Ideally, political campaigns inspire with broad ideals and memorable slogans, akin to poetry, which simplifies complex visions. If governance could also adopt a more poetic clarity, simplifying challenges for the public, it could bridge the gap between leaders and citizens, moving away from opaque and ‘complexified’ politics.

While science is undeniably crucial for development, providing systematic understanding and technological advancement, it requires a guiding purpose and ethical framework. This is where the arts, particularly poetry, can play a vital role. By articulating a clear, poetic intent, the arts can ensure that governance serves a defined, understandable goal, moving beyond mere technical execution. Embracing the insights offered by the arts might just transform Uganda from a nation of ‘bad governance’ to one of ‘bard governance.’

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/devt-is-the-question-poetry-the-answer-5585026