Investigating things to acquire knowledge

Have you noticed that when Chinese people complain about being discriminated against by foreigners, the level of trust among Chinese people themselves is actually quite low? They are often afraid of being deceived or taken advantage of. This stems from our undervaluation of honesty; lying or exaggeration seems to be commonplace. When moral values conflict with personal interests, some people would rather choose personal interests than moral values, as seen in recent years with the tainted milk powder scandal and countless online or telephone scams.

In fact, China's long-standing culture places great importance on moral and ethical values. "Investigating things and extending knowledge" is an important concept in ancient Chinese Confucianism, originating from the eight items in the "Great Learning" section of the Book of Rites, which include investigating things, extending knowledge, making one's will sincere, rectifying one's mind, cultivating oneself, regulating one's family, governing the state, and bringing peace to the world. This shows the importance that our ancestors attached to personal character and self-cultivation.

Why has China's morality and ethics seemed to decline over the past century? Some say it's a result of China's totalitarian rule. When society no longer values communication and truth, and instead measures a person's achievements solely by economic success or power, conscience and moral character are relegated to the sidelines. Don't underestimate this impact; it permeates our education and family life. Western schools have noticed that Chinese students choosing courses often prioritize earning money, seemingly disregarding humanities, interests, ideals, and social contributions. Many students even buy their degrees, neglecting their studies and having assignments done by paid others. Driven by the desire for their children to succeed, parents focus on making their children appear successful, which indirectly translates into their own glory. The child's temperament, happiness, interests, and ideals are often not the primary concern. The family is the cradle for nurturing a child's conscience and moral education, and parents impart this through their own actions. Moral values are often more important than later education. Or we can ask ourselves: What moral values am I passing on to my child? Would I want my child to be treated the same way as others?

Many people believe that as long as one obeys the law, one is safe in society. While this is certainly the most basic requirement, and the law does guarantee basic social security, it is also the final safeguard. What truly matters is that people live with dignity, integrity, and spirit. A society that relies solely on the law to maintain safety is at its most basic level. It is my sincere hope that this generation of Chinese people, fortunate enough to breathe free air abroad, will reflect more deeply and bring positive energy back to their nation.