Ancient teachings help fill vacuum
Nov 05, 2011
SCMP
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=5146ed2a14f63310VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD&s=opinionChina's astonishing progress in recent decades has largely been due to a shift away from
ideology to policies focused on
economic development. Millions have been lifted out of poverty and many have become wealthy. But this achievement has come at a cost. The
environment has suffered, prompting efforts to make the country's growth more
sustainable. And an ideological vacuum has seen an apparent
decline in morality as more people focus on making money. The death of a two-year-old girl in a recent hit-and-run in Guangdong, in which as many as 18 people walked by without offering help, has raised concerns about a lack of compassion and public spirit. ...
...The central government has only recently turned to traditional Chinese philosophies to provide people with an alternative to the all-consuming pursuit of money. The intellectual renaissance has seen greater emphasis placed on the wisdom of
Confucius, the philosopher once denounced by Communists as synonymous with feudalism and backwardness. There has been a revival in interest in ancient teachings, which stress
compassion,
self-restraint and
respect. Other religions also have a role to play and should be given greater freedom.
It remains to be seen how relevant these teachings will prove to be in the
modern world. But the
Taoist belief in
non-action and
minimalism certainly provide some food for thought for a nation with a seemingly insatiable drive for progress and development in all areas. While economic growth must continue, the move towards a more sustainable approach - especially one focused on making people
happier - is welcome. And traditional teachings can help people understand that
contentment can be found without riches or the pursuit of ever more material possessions. ...
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