February 28, 2006

Your recent snapshot article titled Old Virtue, New Catchphrase sound impressive and convincing that “aged-old moral code” in consolidating the whole social structure in China’s present day society. But, in taking a step forward, such age-old moral code and belief can stand in the way of China developing into a modern society. I had learnt that of an old Chinese fable that the son used his body heat to warm up his old father’s bed in cold winter nights before the father gone to bed. In those ancient time, of course it is a shining example of filial piety. In these days, we can afford to buy an electric blanket, which can do a more efficient job for the old parents, and this does not make us into exemplary role models; of course, without going into emotional overdrive. Time has moved on. May be, we can afford a bit more for our parents, if necessary. You cited two examples of the sons have to sacrifice so much and work so hard in order to look after their respective sick parents. Of course their gallant efforts are commendable, even admirable, but definitely not emulable. In a developed country, there are social and public institutions to take care of the elderlies, where professional cares can never be rivaled by individual cares one can offer at home and at the same time to free up the sons and daughters to pursue their ambitions in life. With increase life expectancy, a lot of age related diseases like Alzheimer patients, needing 24 hours care will place a tremendous strain on the care giver in a one to one basis. Old values and dogma can be impediments to the nation developing into a modern society. According to archeological evidence, more than a million years ago, human already possessed almost the same brain capacity as that of the modern man. It is the continuous innovations, new inventions and developments, proper modern education methods that propel humankind from subsistence farmers and gatherers to space explorers within the last ten of thousand years. With China’s leaders calling for more continuous innovations and with the support of the population, the country can achieved the status of developed nation at a much faster rate than ever, ever before. China’s past Chairman had said, “dare to achieve.”