Summary of the Key Points
This article discusses the question of "how not to be uprooted in an uncertain era," drawing inspiration from the thoughts of the renowned Chinese scholar Qian Mu. We are currently facing challenges such as anti-globalization, economic downturns, the impact of AI, and the fragmentation of values. Old experiences no longer apply, and new solutions are yet to emerge, leading to a sense of confusion. Qian Mu's core argument is that tradition is not something to be discarded at will; rather, it is our spiritual foundation. We should approach history with "tenderness and respect," distinguishing between what changes and what remains constant. The feeling of meaninglessness stems from the expansion of material life (the physical self) and the isolation of spiritual life (the inner self). To find stability in these changing times, we need to reconnect with others, history, and culture.
1. Why do we always feel anxious nowadays?
In recent years, many people have felt that life is uncertain, akin to walking on cotton—globalization is no longer an inevitable trend, and some countries are opting out of international agreements. AI is both seen as a potential liberator and a threat to jobs. Online debates between different viewpoints are intense, and the belief that "hard work will lead to improvement" has wavered due to economic downturns. Rules that were once familiar (such as globalization equating to more opportunities or hard work leading to higher salaries) no longer apply, leaving us feeling lost in a fog. This is what the article refers to as the "shaking and confusion of spiritual life," which is why we need to turn to Qian Mu's wisdom—he experienced even more drastic changes in his time and knows how to stay grounded during turbulent times.
2. Why did Qian Mu say that complete Westernization is a dead end?
During Qian Mu's lifetime, China was weak, and many intellectuals believed that tradition was the root of backwardness and should be completely abandoned in favor of Western practices (some even suggested abolishing Chinese characters and destroying Confucian temples). However, Qian Mu argued that tradition is deeply ingrained in our lives. The language we speak, the Spring Festival we celebrate, the way we interact with family, and the concept of having a sense of conscience are all parts of tradition. It's like trying to live without our roots; complete Westernization would mean cutting ourselves off from our history, turning us into people with no identity, which is not progress but cultural suicide.
3. "Tenderness and respect": How should we view history according to Qian Mu?
In his work "An Outline of National History," Qian Mu emphasizes that we should approach our country's history with tenderness and respect. What does this mean?
- Tenderness: Do not judge ancient people by today's standards. For example, the preference for sons over daughters in ancient times was a reflection of the social and economic conditions of the time; it was not simply a sign of ignorance. We need to understand their circumstances.
- Respect: A civilization that has lasted for thousands of years must have its strengths. Values like benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and faithfulness are still fundamental principles for living today. By embracing these, we avoid blaming the past for our current problems or thinking we represent the pinnacle of human progress.
4. Why do we often feel that life is meaningless? The issue lies in the balance between "the physical self" and "the inner self"
Qian Mu distinguished between two aspects of life: "physical self" (material needs like food, clothing, and wealth) and "inner self" (spiritual fulfillment). For decades, people have focused on the former, believing that acquiring more material possessions brings meaning. However, Qian Mu pointed out that desires are endless—once we get one thing, we want more (an iPhone 15 followed by an iPhone 16, a larger house followed by a villa). When the economy slows down, this path becomes unsustainable, leading to a sense of meaninglessness. True fulfillment comes from connecting with others, engaging with history and culture.
5. How not to be uprooted by the times? Qian Mu's advice on finding stability
To avoid being swept away by the currents of change, we need to:
- Avoid blindly chasing the latest trends (such as panicking at the advent of AI or clinging to outdated ways).
- Identify what remains constant in history (values like kindness and family importance that transcend time).
- Reconnect with others and culture by spending time with family and friends, reading historical books, and participating in community activities. This helps us integrate into a larger world rather than living in isolation.
In essence, Qian Mu's teachings are not about returning to the past but about finding a sense of direction in chaos. By understanding where we come from, we can determine where we should go and live more securely in an uncertain era.