Detail to Doctrine — Incident First, Principle Second

"He was both concrete and abstract at the same time, loved to start from the detail and move to the general. I heard him introduce his concept of secularity starting from an incident: a marriage between Singaporeans annulled by a Malay imam."

"options: “If, after trying several solutions, I discover that a certain approach works, then I extract the underlying principle of the chosen solution.”"

"Lee Kuan Yew was able to apply a much more rational method. To solve a problem, he begins by considering all possible solutions: “I do not work on a theory.” “I am interested in what works.” “In the face of a difficulty, major problem, or an array of contradictory facts, I review what alternatives I have if the solution I propose does not work. I choose a measure that offers a strong probability of success, but if that fails, I have other options. I never find myself at an impasse.”"