By By: Staff Writer
Monrovia – Human rights lawyer and political advocate Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe has issued a sharp critique of what he describes as Liberia’s most destructive national habit: the “at least” mentality. In a powerful message released this week, Gongloe argues that the mindset of celebrating bare minimum efforts is slowly killing the country’s progress, crippling public accountability, and normalizing a dangerous culture of mediocrity.
According to Gongloe, Liberia’s struggle is not because it lacks natural blessings or human potential, but because it has become a nation too easily satisfied with substandard outcomes. He points to phrases commonly used by citizens and leaders alike—statements such as “at least this government is trying,” or “at least the roads are being built”—as examples of how low expectations excuse poor performance.
He warns that “at least” has become a national lullaby, putting citizens to sleep while the country’s systems weaken and public resources disappear. The mentality, he says, transforms corruption into something tolerable and turns failed leadership into something acceptable as long as it looks slightly better than the past.
Gongloe argues that this mindset leads people to clap for crumbs and magnify minor improvements as major national achievements. Roads that collapse after one rainy season suddenly appear as miracles. Hospitals with no medicine seem like progress because the lights are on. Governments that punish petty thieves but protect politically connected criminals are seen as “better.”
He insists that Liberia is not held back by a lack of money, brains, or opportunities—only by a lack of standards. By comparing one failing system to another and choosing the “less worse” option, he says the country has lowered the bar so far that almost anything now passes for development.
Instead of “at least,” Gongloe says Liberia should begin striving for “at last”—a shift he believes is necessary to unlock the country’s long-delayed transformation.
“At last integrity. At last competence. At last accountability,” he said, calling for a reset of national expectations.
Gongloe is urging Liberians from all walks of life—students, market women, community elders, civil servants, and political actors—to spark new conversations about what the nation truly deserves. Excellence, he says, should be demanded, not hoped for. Accountability should be expected, not begged for.
He concludes that Liberia will only rise when its people raise their expectations. Ending the “at least” mentality, he argues, is the first step toward building the Liberia citizens have long dreamed of.
Part II of Gongloe’s commentary is expected to deepen the national debate as he continues to challenge the culture of low standards and complacency.
