Codes of Behaviour

Not everyone is aware that there is a new school aboard the station. It serves the small numbers of children permanently based here and is run with enthusiasm by Mrs Keiko O'Brian.
Hardly a day goes by without an exclamation of some new epiphany by at least one child passing my clothiers shop on their return from class. Much of the time these exclamations would come from the station commander's son Jake Sisko.

Jake seems to be a curious and bright boy; certainly the alter ego of his friend Nog who is sometimes physically escorted/dragged to the classroom door by his ferengi father Rom. On a positive note I have heard lately of Jake's efforts to help his friend Nog learn to read. This altruistic behaviour is very refreshing; particularly being executed across such a wide cultural divide. This will undoubtedly have a far reaching effect on Nog.

Every culture needs altruistic individuals to survive and I include Cardassia in this regard. Altruism requires a belief in self and the faith that the world and people around you can be changed for the better. Of course the Obsidian Order that has promoted such micro managed lives by watchfulness and obediance in our society has worked quite well but walks uncomfortably with this ideal. The trade offs also include a loss of individualism and creativity amongst us.

I do predict a dermise of the Order in the near future. I suspect Enabran Tain (head of the Obsidian Order) who sees all and knows all is blind to the thoughts I have outlined above. Cardassia needs new life and purpose to survive and this can only be sourced from outside it's rigid social structure.

Being on the station has definitely widened my point of view on how certain codes of behaviour can benefit any society. Could I, Elim Garak, provide a catalyst to promote a valuable change to Cardassian society? Perhaps the slight rewriting of a ferengi Rule of Acquisition might contain some answers;

Opportunity + Instinct + Willingness to Act = Profit (to Society)

Ultimately time will tell. I must be ferengi-like in looking for these opportunities and being ready to act on them no matter the consequences.