I think another reason I care so much about consistency is that to me, it's intimately tied to responsibility, keeping promises, even the character of a man. Maybe there's a type of inconsistency that doesn't involve going back on a promise. And maybe it's too harsh to infer that inconsistent people are lacking in character and can't keep their word. But I think it's something special to be consistent both in the big, obvious things of life and in the little, implicit arrangements we make. In the large ones, when you're late to a weekly meeting that's the same time every week, everyone knows it, and at the same time, no one gives you much credit for being on time, or even consistently on time. But when there's an implicit arrangement, like keeping the farm clean all the time, whatever it takes, it's something special to be consistent in it. It's reliability, which is definitely the cousin of responsibility, which is pretty much married to character.
I did meet a young fellow who had these qualities today, probably the most impressive Ugandan I've met yet. He's young, but already has a burgeoning business trading in maize products, and he was more than willing to supply us as well as give me some business advice. A great contact to have, and hopefully a great person to know.
Meeting so many people lacking in consistency makes me want to be more consistent. It's being the change you want to see. Here's to that goal.
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