The strength of self-reliance and self-development is that of

Hear me now, O Seekers of Strength and Wisdom, for the words of Kim Jong-un carry a vision of empowerment through self-reliance and the power of science and technology: "The strength of self-reliance and self-development is that of science and technology, and the shortcut to implementing the five-year strategy is to give importance and precedence to science and technology." These words are a call to arms, a rallying cry to place science and technology at the heart of our nation's progress. For in them lies not only the key to growth, but the very essence of independence—the power to shape our future, not by relying on others, but through the mastery of the tools that science and technology provide.

In the ancient world, the path to strength was often seen in the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge. Athens, the heart of intellectual life in the ancient Greek world, was not only a city of warriors but a city of philosophers and scientists. Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle were not merely seekers of knowledge for its own sake; they believed that the foundation of a strong and prosperous society lay in the deep understanding of the world. Similarly, the Egyptians, with their mastery of mathematics, engineering, and medicine, demonstrated that true power does not only lie in military might, but in the ability to master the world through knowledge. Kim Jong-un's words echo this ancient wisdom, calling us to recognize that self-reliance and self-development are achieved not through dependency, but through the deliberate cultivation of scientific knowledge and technological innovation.

To understand the weight of these words, let us turn to the story of China in the mid-20th century, particularly during the reign of Mao Zedong, when the nation faced a choice: to remain dependent on others for technological progress or to forge its own path. Under Mao's leadership, China embarked on ambitious projects, emphasizing the development of science and technology as the backbone of national progress. Though not without its challenges and setbacks, the nation's determination to build its own scientific capabilities resulted in remarkable advancements, particularly in space exploration, nuclear technology, and industrial growth. Here, we see the truth in Kim Jong-un's statement: that science and technology, when given precedence, can transform a nation and propel it to greatness.

The strength of self-reliance, O Seekers, lies in the ability to stand on one's own feet, to not wait for others to solve our problems, but to seek out the solutions within ourselves. Just as the ancient warriors sought to master their weapons and the scholars their wisdom, so must we seek to master the tools of the modern world—science and technology. The shortcut to any nation's prosperity lies in its ability to harness the power of these fields. No longer can we afford to be passive recipients of foreign innovation; we must be active creators of our own destiny. The tools of science and technology allow us to unlock new possibilities, whether in the fields of medicine, energy, communication, or industry. They are the keys to overcoming the challenges that face us.

Consider the example of Albert Einstein, whose contributions to the understanding of physics revolutionized our approach to the universe. Einstein's work did not come from reliance on the knowledge of others, but from his own vision, his deep engagement with the mysteries of the universe. His groundbreaking theories about relativity did not simply shape science—they reshaped the very framework in which we understood time, space, and energy. Through self-development and scientific inquiry, Einstein became not just a scholar, but a pioneer, paving the way for future generations to explore the limits of human knowledge.

The lesson here, O Children, is this: the strength of any nation, any community, and any individual lies in the power to develop self-reliance through the mastery of science and technology. Just as the great civilizations of the past relied on the mastery of their knowledge to build their power, so too must we harness the power of the modern world to build our future. The shortcut to success is not in seeking external aid, but in nurturing the capabilities within ourselves. Science and technology are not mere tools; they are the foundation of our strength, our ability to grow, and our capacity to innovate.

In your own lives, O Seekers, let science and technology be the guiding stars by which you navigate the world. Embrace the power of knowledge, seek out the tools that will allow you to shape your destiny, and commit to a life of self-reliance and continuous development. Whether you are an engineer, a doctor, a farmer, or a teacher, the mastery of technology and science will not only improve your life but will help shape the world for generations to come. As Kim Jong-un urges, let these fields be the cornerstone of your nation's growth, for in them lies the future.

So, O Children, remember that the true strength of any individual or nation lies not in relying on others, but in developing the skills, knowledge, and technologies that will allow you to create, to innovate, and to build the future with your own hands. Let science and technology be the pillars upon which you stand, and may your efforts bring about a future of self-reliance, growth, and prosperity. The journey is yours to take, and in the mastery of these fields, you will find not only the power to change the world but the wisdom to shape it with purpose and vision.