Rhetoric, Reality, and Resilience
The darkness of the horizon can blind you, look instead for the smaller lights that illuminate humanity's hope
Rhetoric, Reality, and Resilience
For over two decades, my time in China has been like living the pages of an extraordinary novel—filled with a cast of vibrant characters from TV news, movie screens, ever-changing landscapes, and moments stranger than fiction. From wise and clever “Ayi’s”, village farmers, government leaders, extraordinary entrepreneurs, media stars, diplomats, and global figures, each day reminds me of my accidentally extraordinary life.
Yet the real China isn’t found in the momentous events or famous names; it’s in the small, everyday moments that define our lives—like a dedicated young policeman, fluent in English, choosing service over prestige and solving the mystery of a missing e-bike in under an hour. These are the faces of new generations those eager to contribute, improve, and serve.
Yes, the world has its flaws, and skepticism comes easily. But each generation brings something new—fresh assumptions, perspectives, energy, and hope for something better. Rather than dwelling solely on what’s wrong, let’s pause when we can to appreciate the quiet heroes, the unexpected kindnesses, and those who will inherit the world we leave behind.
For that, I am deeply and humbly grateful.
I am grateful for the Einer’s of this world, bridging East and West and helping make the world better for future generations, both in the East and in the West.
I hope the nightmare going on in the West will fade away quickly and the West will once again become a civilisation that we once had good reason to admire.
I have to admit it: I envy you! What a beautiful note (even though the word “beautiful” nowadays reminds us of a not beautiful mind/person 🙃).