Human restlessness
This human restlessness - glorified in the drive for "success" - has grave consequences.
As Wu Guanjun, professor of philosophy from Nanjing University, observes in a recent paper on Slovenian philosopher Slovoj Zizek (1949- ), there is a great deal of uncertainty whether Fukuyama's "end of history" is really "end times."
"In our real life, the imminent ecological cataclysms and problems arising from genetic engineering are all sending this message: the current order cannot be allowed to continue," Wu states in his paper.
"If the inherent logic of capitalism be allowed to operate freely, a huge - even comprehensive - crisis will be unfolding. We must proceed with radical social reflections so as to provide cataclysm for new social change," observes Wu.
The change can only be elusive, because it is easier to manage GDP figures than the human heart. In addition, we might understand which things are good, but we simply do not put them to practice.
According to Wu, one of the reasons that the current, destructive way of life can be perpetuated is the "fetishistic disavowal," which refers to the gap between knowledge and belief: We know that climate change is leading to disasters, but many of us simply choose to ignore the writing on the wall.
We know our flirtation with nuclear secrets is releasing power beyond our control, but we are full of hope.
One most important difference is that while Western people are showing great interest in their ability to change outward circumstances, we Chinese are more introspective.
We get a clear view of ourself by reading our history.
As Chien Mu (1898-1990) observes in one of his lectures on Chinese culture in 1967, Chinese culture has been very much humanistic, with a heavy emphasis on the understanding of the human heart.
He warned that if pursuit of affluence becomes an all-consuming urge, this urge can become the greatest hazard of all.
There have been numerous instances past and present, east and west, that suggest the destructive potency of the all-out pursuit of affluence.
The enduring strength of Chinese culture lies exactly in its power to properly prioritize.
Given the inadequacy of our intellect to understand, not to say harness, the power in the universe, there is a real urgency for each individual to live responsibly, which would lead to the sound governance of the state and the world.
By Wan Lixin (Shanghai Daily)
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