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	<title>Observations &amp; Stories &#8211; Yichengs Commonweal</title>
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	<description>Yicheng Commonweal &#124; Civic, Social and Spiritual Innovation for a Better World</description>
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		<title>Greta Thunberg: the girl and our future</title>
		<link>https://wp.yichengs.org/greta-thunberg-the-girl-and-our-future/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Yicheng]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 Jun 2025 18:44:33 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Observations & Stories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social issues & Solutions]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://yichengs.orggreta-thunberg-the-girl-and-our-future/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[We often hear the phrase, “Kids are our future.” It is something parents, educators, and leaders around the world like to say. But in a time marked by emotional extremes, misinformation, polarized opinions, and rising violence, this comforting slogan is no longer enough. We need to take a step back and ask, calmly and seriously: [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>We often hear the phrase, “Kids are our future.” It is something parents, educators, and leaders around the world like to say. But in a time marked by emotional extremes, misinformation, polarized opinions, and rising violence, this comforting slogan is no longer enough. We need to take a step back and ask, calmly and seriously: <strong>What kind of future are our children actually growing into?</strong></p>



<p><strong>We allow children to be willful because that is part of what growing up means—moving from ignorance to understanding, from impulsiveness to maturity, from confusion to clarity. </strong>Willfulness is a natural part of learning to face reality, make sense of rules, and understand a complex world. A society that cannot make space for a child’s willfulness is one that risks suppressing vitality and creativity.</p>



<p>But there is a deeper problem. What happens when children are not just willful, but are influenced by ignorance, hatred, and pressure—when they begin to embrace cruelty, violence, or extremism, even becoming messengers for these forces? At that point, their willfulness is no longer a sign of youth—it becomes a warning sign for the future.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The tragedy of our time: when &#8220;justice&#8221; becomes a mask for hatred</h2>



<p>June 9, 2025 — A chilling piece of international news: <strong>Greta Thunberg</strong>, the 22-year-old Swedish climate activist, was intercepted by Israeli forces aboard the Madelene, a humanitarian aid ship headed for Gaza. Wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh, she became part of a political and violent confrontation.</p>



<p>On the surface, this story appears to be just another chapter in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, or a case of humanitarian intervention. But what has truly stirred debate is not the ship or the mission—it is Greta herself, and the influence she exerts.</p>



<p>Once celebrated as a global icon of climate action, peace, and youthful moral courage, Greta was the girl who stood at the UN, boldly calling out world leaders for their inaction on the climate crisis. She inspired millions of young people to speak up for the planet. But now, swept up in the waves of political radicalization, she seems to be drifting away from her original cause. No longer just a voice for the environment, she is increasingly being seen as a mouthpiece for extremist narratives—openly supporting violence, and lending legitimacy to hate in the name of justice.</p>



<p><strong>This is one of the most striking examples of media manipulation in the 21st century:</strong> <strong>the anger and goodwill of youth are repackaged as “justice”; the harsh and complex realities of political conflict are reduced to simplistic black-and-white narratives; and what should be a call to conscience and social responsibility is replaced by group hysteria and ideological obsession.</strong></p>



<p>The real concern of Greta Thunberg lies in what she has come to symbolize—a generation of young people who, under the influence of social media, online discourse, and political polarization, are rapidly losing their sense of judgment, their ability to reason, and their grasp of the world’s complexity. Instead, they are becoming carriers of hatred, generators of outrage, and tools for the normalization of violence.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-27509" src="https://yichengs.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/eliott-reyna-axTm0ee3YP4-unsplash_compressed-1024x613.jpg" alt="" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">We must not let our children grow up in hatred</h2>



<p>We can forgive young people for their defiance of authority, their anger at the world, their questioning of injustice—these are natural parts of growing up.</p>



<p>We can understand their impulsiveness, their emotional outbursts, even their moments of extremism, as expressions of youthful ignorance.</p>



<p><strong>But what we must not tolerate—what we absolutely cannot enable—is their voluntary embrace of hatred, their fascination with violence, their worship of extremism. We cannot let them mistake obsession for conviction, or destruction for justice.</strong></p>



<p>Behind every disaster, every collapse of society, every eruption of violence, there is always a group of young people who have been seduced by extremist ideas, inflamed by dogma, and taken hostage by hatred.</p>



<p><strong>These were young people who could have been builders, but were turned into destroyers. They could have been hope, but became a living nightmare.</strong></p>



<p>The Greta incident is not just a headline—it is a reflection of something far deeper: a society losing its values, an education system failing its youth, media shaping public opinion with bias, and social networks driving people into emotional extremes.</p>



<p>How does a young person, once full of idealism and compassion, lose her independent judgment and slide into the arms of extremism, giving legitimacy to political violence? The answer is not just her personal tragedy—it is a symptom of a sick era.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who will protect the children—who will protect the future?</h2>



<p>Yes, children are our future.</p>



<p>But the future is not automatically beautiful. <strong>It must be shaped, protected, and guided by reason and kindness.</strong></p>



<p><strong>And that responsibility falls on us—all of us.</strong></p>



<p>Society needs to teach the kids:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Kindness is not blind allegiance, but the ability to judge right from wrong independently.</strong></li>



<li><strong>Justice is not a mask for violence, but a commitment to fairness and the refusal to harm the innocent.</strong></li>



<li><strong>Anger is human—but obsession is dangerous. Questioning authority is healthy, but blindly following extremism is not.</strong></li>



<li><strong>True courage means holding on to reason in a world full of complexity—not getting swept away by waves of emotional frenzy.</strong></li>
</ul>



<p>Parents, educators, the media, institutions, and every single adult must take up this responsibility.</p>



<p>In an age of noise and chaos, reason and conscience are the most precious<strong>—and the most scarce—resources.</strong></p>



<p>If we allow our youth to grow up immersed in hatred, obsession, violence, and political fanaticism, the future will not belong to the builders and protectors. It will belong to the agitators and destroyers.</p>



<p><strong>And that is a future no civilization can afford.</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-27522" src="https://yichengs.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/tara-glaser-jv9fpE6DVaA-unsplash_compressed-1024x681.jpg" alt="" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A final word</h3>



<p>Today, we see <strong>Greta</strong>. <strong>But in every country, there are countless young people who have been influenced by extremist ideologies, manipulated by online narratives, and seduced by the illusion of false justice.</strong></p>



<p>If we continue to sleepwalk through this crisis—if we do not wake up to educate, protect, and guide them—if we do not reflect on the collapse of our values, the polarization of public discourse, and the imbalance in our education systems, then twenty years from now, we may find ourselves in a world consumed by hatred, where violence is justified, extremism is normalized, and no safe ground remains.</p>



<p>Yes, children are our future.</p>



<p>But whether that future is filled with light or swallowed by darkness depends entirely on what we choose to plant in their hearts today.</p>



<p><strong>Kindness may be naïve—but justice must never be twisted into a weapon of hate.</strong></p>



<p><strong>Confusion is part of growing up—but society must never stop offering wisdom and direction.</strong></p>



<p>We cannot afford to lose our way any longer.</p>



<p><strong>The future belongs to them. But protecting that future—that is our responsibility.</strong></p>
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		<title>&#8220;Something deeper than belief&#8221; is the devil&#8217;s flute</title>
		<link>https://wp.yichengs.org/something-deeper-than-belief-is-the-devils-flute/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Master Wonder]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:40:16 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Observations & Stories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Quality Education]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://yichengs.orgsomething-deeper-than-belief-is-the-devils-flute/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[In today’s world, the greatest threat is not war or massacre, but the hypocrites wearing masks of kindness, peace, and humanity. They use soft, comforting words to cover up evil, weaken justice, and dilute the truth. They preach “transcending ideology and belief,” claim “we are all connected” and share a “common humanity.” With this vague, [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>In today’s world, the greatest threat is not war or massacre, but the hypocrites wearing masks of kindness, peace, and humanity. They use soft, comforting words to cover up evil, weaken justice, and dilute the truth.</p>



<p><strong>They preach “transcending ideology and belief,” claim “we are all connected” and share a “common humanity.” With this vague, blurry moral rope that erases the line between right and wrong, they tie justice to evil, oppressors to victims, and executioners to their prey.</strong></p>



<p>This is the most insidious, gentle poison in modern civilization, easily mistaken for kindness.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the true nature of &#8220;something deeper than belief&#8221;?</strong></h2>



<p>On the surface, it sounds like a call for world peace, racial reconciliation, cultural cooperation, and gender equality. <strong>But in reality, it erases moral judgment and undermines justice. </strong>It lets evil justify itself openly, repaints oppression as “cultural differences,” and grants tyranny legitimacy under the name of “social order.”</p>



<p>They wave the banner of humanity, blurring all evil and suffering into vague calls for “understanding,” “tolerance,” and “we are all the same.” Meanwhile, those who expose wrongdoing, resist oppression, or stand firm in their principles are labeled as “paranoid,” “extreme,” or “irrational.”</p>



<p><strong>When you call out oppression, they say, “You’re too rigid—we need to move beyond ideology.”</strong></p>



<p><strong>When you stand up for justice, they tell you, “We’re all connected; there’s no need for conflict.”</strong></p>



<p><strong>When you expose evil, they shrug, “There’s no absolute evil; everyone’s just human.”</strong></p>



<p>—This is the devil’s softest tune, played to lull us all to sleep.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The sixfold poison:</h2>



<p>The approach of “transcending ideology and belief” inflicts sixfold damage on human civilization worldwide—corrupting political systems, social order, our understanding of humanity, bureaucratic structures, and public discourse:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. The poison of politics: false legitimacy</h3>



<p>When authoritarian regimes, exploitative powers, or oligarchic capital suppress people, strip away rights, and violate freedoms, they cloak themselves in the language of “national stability,” “social order,” and “cultural differences.”</p>



<p>Crackdowns become “maintaining order,” censorship becomes “preventing division,” and eliminating opposition becomes “removing social unrest.”</p>



<p>This gives political violence a false sense of legitimacy, allowing those in power to excuse their crimes as &#8220;just part of governing&#8221;.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. The economic poison: entrenching class division</h3>



<p>The global economy has long thrived on inequality and the exploitation of the working class. And whenever the oppressed begin to resist, someone would step forward to say: “Rich or poor, we are all human. We need to understand each other.”</p>



<p>With words like “connection,” “empathy,” and “shared humanity,” they blur the lines of class struggle, mask systemic theft, and soften the sharp edges of injustice.</p>



<p>In the end, the machinery of wealth extraction—class hierarchies, colonial economies, and obscene inequality—continues to run smoothly, anesthetized by the language of compassion.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. The social poison: moral coercion disguised as virtue</h3>



<p>In today’s global discourse, this rhetoric isolates anyone who dares to resist, speak out, or stand firm in their beliefs.</p>



<p>Raise your voice against injustice? You are being extreme. Expose oppression? You are being intolerant.</p>



<p>Under the soft but insidious weight of this emotional manipulation, society gradually loses its radical edge—its spirit of resistance and moral judgment. People begin to censor themselves, terrified of crossing invisible lines. Rebellion fades. Compliance becomes the norm.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. The civilizational poison: losing our backbone</h3>



<p>Great civilizations are built on the defense of core values—freedom, justice, dignity, belief, and the courage to speak out against injustice. But the logic of “transcending ideology and faith” amounts to self-castration at the level of civilization.</p>



<p>Instead of standing firm on principle, we are told to promote “peaceful coexistence” and “everyone has their own perspective.”</p>



<p>In practice, this means turning a blind eye to atrocities—as long as you stay silent, evil is no longer called evil.</p>



<p>Over time, humanity lose their backbone. What remains is a hollow shell: soft, compromised, and comfortably mediocre.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">5. The poison to humanity: the pacification of the soul</h3>



<p>On the level of individual consciousness, this rhetoric breeds generations who learn to numb themselves and rationalize evil.</p>



<p>They are taught to empathize with abusers, pity the exploiters, and forgive those in power—while treating the true defenders of justice as “dangerously extreme.”</p>



<p>Under this soft anesthesia of “human understanding,” human society gradually loses its ability to feel anger, resist oppression, or even recognize wrongdoing.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">6. The bureaucratic poison: corruption in alliance</h3>



<p>Within bureaucratic systems, the language of “transcending ideology” becomes the perfect excuse to suppress dissent, deflect accountability, and conceal corruption.</p>



<p>Every challenge is labeled “too emotional.” Every demand for justice is recast as “disruptive to stability.”</p>



<p>Thus, corrupt officials and enforcers of “order” form a silent pact—shielding one another while jointly harvesting power and resources under the soothing veil of moral neutrality.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion: Civilization must have a spine</h3>



<p>Ideals may evolve, and faiths may be renewed—but they must never be abandoned, transcended, or rewritten.</p>



<p><strong>True civilization is built on moral boundaries: to protect the vulnerable, to judge evil, and to uphold justice.</strong></p>



<p>Anyone who claims to “transcend ideology and belief,” no matter how kind their tone or how gentle their words, is ultimately fighting to legitimize evil. They are playing the devil’s flute.</p>



<p><strong>And those who applaud this narrative—who nod along with smiles and praises—should repent for their complicity, not bask in their self-satisfaction.</strong></p>



<p>We may be kind, but we are not fools. We have empathy, but we do not applaud hypocrisy.</p>



<p>The backbone of civilization lies not in vague “connections,” but in clear moral boundaries and an uncompromising stand for justice.</p>



<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>When I heard the Harvard girl Jiang Yurong speak at graduation</title>
		<link>https://wp.yichengs.org/when-i-heard-the-harvard-girl-jiang-yurong-speak-at-graduation/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Master Wonder]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 Jun 2025 19:46:52 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Observations & Stories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Quality Education]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://yichengs.orgwhen-i-heard-the-harvard-girl-jiang-yurong-speak-at-graduation/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[“Going beyond ideology and belief”—that is the devil’s flute. Not every gentle voice brings peace—some quietly lead us away from justice. People who often well-dressed and well-educated, speak sweetly about “going beyond beliefs,” “transcending oppositions,” and “celebrating our shared humanity.” They speak of how &#8220;we are all the same&#8221; and how &#8220;our shared humanity matters [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="has-text-align-right"><strong>“Going beyond ideology and belief”—that is the devil’s flute.</strong></p>



<p>Not every gentle voice brings peace—some quietly lead us away from justice. People who often well-dressed and well-educated, speak sweetly about “going beyond beliefs,” “transcending oppositions,” and “celebrating our shared humanity.” They speak of how &#8220;we are all the same&#8221; and how &#8220;our shared humanity matters more than our differences.&#8221; On the surface, they seem kind, wise, even morally superior. But behind that charming smile and polished language often hides one of the most dangerous forces in modern civilization: the subtle poison that dulls our sense of justice,<strong> the devil dressed in the clothing of righteousness.</strong></p>



<p>Recently, I listened to a Harvard graduate named <strong>Jiang Yurong</strong> give a speech at her commencement. It reminded me of those who, throughout history, stood beside tyrants—softening the blow of violence with talk of love and unity, <strong>helping to silence the cries of the oppressed by urging “understanding” and “tolerance.”</strong></p>



<p>That is why this article must be written.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video src="https://yichengs.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/%E5%93%88%E4%BD%9B%E6%AF%95%E4%B8%9A%E5%85%B8%E7%A4%BC%E9%A6%96%E4%BD%8D%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD%E5%A5%B3%E7%94%9F%E6%BC%94%E8%AE%B2%EF%BC%8C%E5%9B%9E%E5%BA%94%E5%B7%9D%E6%99%AE%E9%99%90%E5%88%B6%E5%9B%BD%E9%99%85%E5%AD%A6%E7%94%9F%E8%A8%80%E8%AE%BA%EF%BC%81%E5%A5%B9%E7%9A%84%E4%BA%BA%E7%B1%BB%E5%91%BD%E8%BF%90%E5%85%B1%E5%90%8C%E4%BD%93%E9%9C%87%E6%92%BC%E5%85%A8%E5%9C%BA.publer.com_.mp4" controls="controls" width="300" height="150"></video></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">“Transcending beliefs and values”? It is moral cowardice.</h2>



<p><strong>Our beliefs and values are the very foundation of civilization.</strong>They are the hard-earned boundaries of right and wrong, forged through centuries of suffering, struggle, and reflection.<strong>They tell us what is just, what is unjust, what must be defended, and what must never be allowed.</strong></p>



<p>To speak of “going beyond beliefs and values” is, in plain terms, to abandon moral clarity. It is to stop naming evil, to stop standing for what is right. It means letting the powerful get away with cruelty, letting the wicked commit harm, letting tyrants flourish—while still asking you to “understand them,” to “be inclusive,” and become their servant, pray and tool.</p>



<p><strong>This is not tolerance. It is betrayal. This is not open-mindedness. It is a slow erosion of the soul.</strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The dangerous kindness that serves power</h2>



<p>Anyone who preaches “something deeper than belief” or “moving beyond ideology” may appear to be advocating peace and compassion. <strong>But in reality, they are clearing the path for oppression and dressing power in the robes of righteousness.</strong> They weaponize language—using words like “love” and “humanity” to blur the lines between victim and perpetrator, to place justice and injustice on the same moral footing, and to wash away the crimes of power by reminding us that “everyone bleeds the same.”</p>



<p><strong>Yes, we are all human, but that does not make us equal.</strong> The hunter and the prey do not stand on common ground. When “shared humanity” is used to silence the truth of oppression, <strong>it becomes a second wound to those already bleeding.</strong></p>



<p><strong>This is the darkest kind of persuasion: telling the lamb that the butcher loves it; teaching the chained to mistake rust for warmth.</strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Social difference goes far beyond gender and culture</h2>



<p>Discussions of gender equality, racial equity, and cultural respect are common. <strong>But the most fundamental and violent division in society is class.</strong> It is class that determines who sets the terms, and who must submit to them. Who wields the power to decide, and who is left powerless in the outcome.</p>



<p>So when someone talks only of “shared humanity,” “empathy,” or “transcending ideology” without addressing class, they are tying the oppressed and the oppressor together with the same moral rope. For the powerful, it is a performance of mercy. For the powerless, it is a death sentence.</p>



<p>They say, “We are all connected.” <strong>Well, I once said the same thing to a turkey on Thanksgiving.</strong><br />The turkey did not quite grasp the beauty of that connection—but in today’s world, many of the hunted are smiling through the slaughter.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The devil’s flute</h2>



<p><strong>The call to “transcend ideology and belief” is nothing more than a flute in the devil’s hand. </strong>It plays a sweet, seductive tune—one that lulls people into thinking there is no real evil in the world, that everything can be solved through dialogue, connection, and reconciliation.</p>



<p>But once you put down your convictions—your beliefs, your principles—you also lower your guard. You lose your ability to judge, to resist, to draw lines. In the end, you become part of a compliant crowd: easy to control, easy to consume—grateful, even, to be served as someone else’s feast.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>



<p><strong>Ideas can evolve, and faith can grow deeper. But they must never be erased, abandoned, or overrided. </strong><strong>They are the anchor of civilization, the sword of justice, and the dignity of humanity.</strong></p>



<p>Those who speak of “moving beyond ideology and belief,” no matter how gentle their tone or how innocent their face, are fighting for the devil’s right to define justice. <strong>We can be kind, but we will not be fools. We have empathy, but we will not applaud hypocrisy.</strong></p>



<p><strong>Remember—some voices may sound warm and gentle, but they are nothing more than the executioner’s decree, disguised in the costume of compassion.</strong></p>
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		<enclosure url="https://yichengs.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/%E5%93%88%E4%BD%9B%E6%AF%95%E4%B8%9A%E5%85%B8%E7%A4%BC%E9%A6%96%E4%BD%8D%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD%E5%A5%B3%E7%94%9F%E6%BC%94%E8%AE%B2%EF%BC%8C%E5%9B%9E%E5%BA%94%E5%B7%9D%E6%99%AE%E9%99%90%E5%88%B6%E5%9B%BD%E9%99%85%E5%AD%A6%E7%94%9F%E8%A8%80%E8%AE%BA%EF%BC%81%E5%A5%B9%E7%9A%84%E4%BA%BA%E7%B1%BB%E5%91%BD%E8%BF%90%E5%85%B1%E5%90%8C%E4%BD%93%E9%9C%87%E6%92%BC%E5%85%A8%E5%9C%BA.publer.com_.mp4" length="0" type="video/mp4" />

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		<title>Benevolent Dreams and Leadership</title>
		<link>https://wp.yichengs.org/kind-dreams-leadership/</link>
					<comments>https://wp.yichengs.org/kind-dreams-leadership/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Yicheng]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 22 Nov 2024 14:06:37 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Observations & Stories]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://yichengs.org?p=10274</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[In any society, the mission of a leader is deeply tied to the direction and hope of its people. The defining trait of a leader is not the resources they command or the extent of their personal abilities but whether they can inspire the collective and the era with a clear and ambitious vision. Dreams [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>In any society, the mission of a leader is deeply tied to the direction and hope of its people. The defining trait of a leader is not the resources they command or the extent of their personal abilities but whether they can inspire the collective and the era with a clear and ambitious vision. Dreams are the soul of leadership, and kindness is the heart of those dreams.</p>



<p>A leader without a dream is a hollow figure, and a dream devoid of kindness becomes the source of suffering and injustice.</p>



<p>In this article, we will delve into the essence of leadership and its connection to dreams, examining their lasting influence on individuals, society, and history. We will also explore how dreams infused with kindness create truly transformative leaders.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">I. The Soulless Leader: A Beacon Gone Dark</h2>



<p>A leader without a dream is like a lifeless shell, drifting without direction. Their decisions lack purpose, and their actions lack drive. While they may excel at managing resources, they fail to lift society to new heights. Instead of shaping the future, they remain passive caretakers, content with preserving the status quo.</p>



<p>History is replete with dreamless leaders, yet few of them are remembered. Their most glaring traits are conformity and shortsightedness:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Blind Conformity</strong>: Dreamless leaders often follow the prevailing winds, unable to exercise independent judgment. Swayed by the pressures of powerful groups, they prioritize “stability” at the expense of addressing systemic issues.</li>



<li><strong>Narrow Vision</strong>: These leaders are unable to see beyond the present, ignoring future challenges and opportunities. Their reluctance to plan for the long term often leads to disastrous outcomes, such as the Qing government’s failure during the Opium Wars, a sobering example of leadership without foresight.</li>
</ul>



<p>The greatest harm a dreamless leader inflicts on society is the loss of hope. A leader’s role is not just to solve problems but to inspire belief in a better future. Without a dream to guide them, a leader becomes like an unlit lighthouse, leaving those they serve adrift in uncertainty.</p>



<p>True leadership requires more than competence or authority—it demands vision. Without it, leaders may exist, but they will never truly lead.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://yichengs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/e29c9a71_compressed-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10279"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">II. A Leader Without a Benevolent Dream: The Root of Evil</h2>



<p>While leaders without dreams may flounder in mediocrity, those with harmful dreams pose a far greater danger. When dreams are driven by self-interest, hatred, or exclusion, they become tools of devastation, steering societies toward division and despair.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Dangers of Harmful Dreams</strong></h3>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Exclusionary Visions</strong><strong><br></strong>Malevolent dreams often thrive on dividing people into “us” and “them.” Such exclusionary visions exploit fear and prejudice to rally support while sowing discord. Adolf Hitler’s fixation on racial purity, for instance, incited nationalist fervor but also led to genocide and global conflict, leaving behind an indelible scar on history.</li>



<li><strong>Dreams as Tools for Power</strong><strong><br></strong>Leaders with harmful dreams frequently disguise their personal ambitions as grand societal visions. These so-called dreams are less about progress and more about cementing control. Totalitarian leaders often manipulated calls for “national revival” to justify oppression, wielding these false ideals to consolidate power while causing irreparable damage to their people.</li>



<li><strong>Dreams That Destroy</strong><strong><br></strong>Malevolent dreams often exact their price in human suffering. They prioritize ambition over humanity, disregarding the well-being of individuals and the broader social fabric. Stalin’s industrialization policies, while framed as progress, came at the cost of mass purges and repression, leaving millions dead and entire communities shattered.</li>
</ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Root of Malevolence</strong></h3>



<p>The absence of morality and responsibility fuels harmful dreams. Leaders consumed by a thirst for power and control ignore the needs of the people they lead. Their visions, detached from compassion, serve only to instill fear and ensure compliance.</p>



<p>Benevolence must be the cornerstone of leadership. Without it, even the most compelling dreams are destined to unravel into oppression and destruction, betraying the trust of those they claim to serve.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">III. The Essence of Benevolent Dreams and the Making of Great Leaders</h2>



<p>Benevolent dreams are the foundation of transformative leadership. They transcend personal ambition, embrace humanity, and inspire progress for all.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Key Traits of Benevolent Dreams</strong></h3>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Universal Values That Transcend Self-Interest</strong><strong><br></strong>Benevolent dreams are rooted in a concern for all of humanity, not merely the leader’s personal ambitions or a single group’s benefit. Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of nonviolent resistance aimed to liberate not just India but the human spirit from oppression and hatred. His vision demonstrated a commitment to global harmony and justice.</li>



<li><strong>A Long-Term Commitment to Responsibility</strong><strong><br></strong>Leaders with benevolent dreams take the long view, prioritizing future generations over immediate gains. Martin Luther King Jr.’s &#8220;I Have a Dream&#8221; speech captured a vision of racial equality and justice that went beyond his era, laying the groundwork for an enduring fight against discrimination. His dream continues to shape societies worldwide.</li>



<li><strong>Embracing Diversity with Open Arms</strong><strong><br></strong>The inclusivity of benevolent dreams fosters unity in the face of diversity. Great leaders seek reconciliation and cooperation rather than conflict. Nelson Mandela exemplified this by choosing forgiveness over vengeance after the fall of apartheid in South Africa. His dream of a unified nation became a beacon of hope for the world.</li>
</ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Dreams of Leaders Shape the Destiny of Society</strong></h3>



<p>A leader’s dream is the heart of their leadership, and benevolence is the foundation of that dream. A leader without a dream is like a vessel adrift at sea, while one whose dream lacks kindness is a force of destruction. True greatness in leadership lies not just in having a vision to change the world but in pursuing that vision with deep compassion and care for all. Their dreams light the way forward, offering hope and strength to those who follow.</p>



<p>In an age filled with uncertainty and challenges, we need leaders more than ever who are guided by dreams rooted in goodness. These leaders&#8217; dreams will determine the course of society and shape the future of civilization.</p>
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		<title>Respecting Others&#8217; Dreams is the Highest Form of Love</title>
		<link>https://wp.yichengs.org/respect-dreams-love/</link>
					<comments>https://wp.yichengs.org/respect-dreams-love/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kishou]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 26 Oct 2024 17:42:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Observations & Stories]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://yichengs.org2024/10/26/respecting-others-dreams-is-the-highest-form-of-love/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Do not laugh at other people&#8217;s dreams, even if you are a hero. Today, I happened to watch an interview with Elon Musk, which inspired me to write this article. Dreams are the deepest and most genuine desires of the human spirit, reflecting our hopes for the future and our search for purpose. However, many [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="has-text-align-right"><em>Do not laugh at other people&#8217;s dreams, even if you are a hero.</em></p>





<p><em>Today, I happened to watch an interview with Elon Musk, which inspired me to write this article. </em></p>



<p>Dreams are the deepest and most genuine desires of the human spirit, reflecting our hopes for the future and our search for purpose. However, many dreams are dismissed as unrealistic, or worse, ridiculous. As seen in the video, the heroes of Elon Musk disregarded his dreams and belittled them openly. But even though you are a hero who has achieved great success with your own dream, you have no right to judge the dreams of others. If a person has a true sense of compassion and love for others, they will naturally respect and support the dreams of those around them, feeling a sincere joy in seeing others pursue what they believe in. This is not only an act of kindness but also a measure of one’s own character, a reflection of the highest form of love.</p>



<p><strong>Every Dream Deserves Respect</strong></p>



<p>The true value of a dream lies not in how impressive it appears to others, but in its roots in a person’s sincere desires. For some, a dream might involve building a successful career, reaching the top, and earning widespread admiration. For others, it could be as simple as owning a small business and finding contentment in the quiet joys of everyday life. Regardless of the scale, every dream reflects an individual’s quest for meaning and their unique sense of purpose.</p>



<p>When those we call &#8220;heroes&#8221; reach the height of success, they may forget that they, too, were once ordinary dreamers who faced doubts and skepticism. But every dream has its own value, independent of how the world sees it. No matter how accomplished someone becomes or how highly others regard them, they should never look down on the dreams of others. True respect comes from within, through an understanding of the effort and dedication that fuel every dream, no matter how small or large.</p>



<p><strong>A Hero&#8217;s Greatness Lies in Embracing Diversity</strong></p>



<p>Every dream is unique, and mocking someone else’s dream is essentially a rejection of individuality and diversity. The reason why we call certain people &#8220;heroes&#8221; is not only because of their accomplishments but because of their ability to embrace and understand diversity. Respecting others&#8217; dreams is a recognition of the varied paths people take in life, and a show of understanding and support for their choices.</p>



<p>In reality, many dreams once considered &#8220;unrealistic&#8221; have ultimately brought about significant change. Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity was once met with skepticism, and Vincent van Gogh’s paintings were not appreciated during his lifetime. Yet, these dreams went on to change the world. The greatness of a hero lies not only in their own achievements but in their willingness to support the dreams of others.</p>



<p><strong>True Love is Respecting and Supporting Dreams</strong></p>



<p>When we truly love someone, we understand and support their dreams, and we feel genuine joy in seeing them pursue their goals. Respecting someone’s dreams is an elevation of love—it is love in its truest form. A perfect example of this is the relationship between filmmaker Ang Lee and his wife. In his younger years, Lee devoted himself to pursuing a career in film directing, spending long periods without a job, writing scripts, and raising children at home. Throughout this time, his wife supported him without complaint, helping him build the career he later achieved. For Lee, his wife was a true source of love and support, and he deeply appreciates the respect and understanding embedded in that love.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-6685" src="https://yichengs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/%E5%BE%AE%E4%BF%A1%E5%9B%BE%E7%89%87_20241026161900.png" alt="" /></figure>



<p>Of course, the essence of love doesn’t lie in how much we can help others achieve their dreams, but in whether we can respect their choices and encourage them to keep moving forward. Many people are considered heroes not only because they live in their own glory but because they give strength to others—helping those without dreams see the value of dreaming, and offering hope and a vision of the future to those who already have dreams.</p>



<p><strong>Rejoicing in Others’ Dreams is a Reflection of Our Humanity</strong></p>



<p>True heroes do not take pride in their own achievements; rather, they find joy in sharing the dreams and successes of others. When we respect and celebrate someone else’s dream, we’re not only supporting their personal goals, but also witnessing the shared human pursuit of happiness and meaning. This joy for others’ dreams reflects a profound kindness and compassion within us. It is with such love that a society becomes more inclusive, creating space for everyone to find their own happiness.</p>



<p>A powerful example of this is the Indian film Dangal, based on a true story. In a society that discriminates against women, the father in the film chooses to respect and support his daughter’s dream of becoming a wrestler, ultimately helping her become a champion. As he tells her, &#8220;You’re not just fighting for yourself, but for millions of women to see that a woman’s path is not limited to just being a wife and mother.&#8221; Supporting someone’s dream is, at times, also supporting the progress of society and the elevation of culture.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-6689" src="https://yichengs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/%E5%BE%AE%E4%BF%A1%E5%9B%BE%E7%89%87_20241026163216-1024x683.jpg" alt="" /></figure>



<p>Respecting others&#8217; dreams is a reflection of the moral and human growth we strive for, and it represents the highest form of love. Every dream born of goodness deserves respect and appreciation because it carries the aspirations and relentless efforts of the dreamer. When we learn to truly love the world and others, we will naturally respect everyone’s dreams and rejoice in their achievements. This attitude, rooted in morality and humanity, not only makes the world a better place but also opens our hearts, making us more generous and loving.</p>
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		<title>Self-discovery involves understanding ourselves, others, and the world around us</title>
		<link>https://wp.yichengs.org/self-discovery-understand/</link>
					<comments>https://wp.yichengs.org/self-discovery-understand/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Yicheng]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Oct 2024 16:35:01 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Observations & Stories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Quality Education]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://yichengs.org2024/10/23/self-discovery-involves-understanding-ourselves-others-and-the-world-around-us/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[In today’s world, where information is overwhelming, it’s easy to feel lost and confused. We’re all trying to find our way, looking to understand ourselves, others, and the world around us. But this process isn’t something that happens overnight. Instead, it takes a lot of time and reflection. In this column, we will share conversations [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>In today’s world, where information is overwhelming, it’s easy to feel lost and confused. We’re all trying to find our way, looking to understand ourselves, others, and the world around us. But this process isn’t something that happens overnight. Instead, it takes a lot of time and reflection. In this column, we will share conversations and personal stories that highlight the unique experiences of different people, helping us all to better grasp what it means to be human and to navigate our own journeys of self-discovery.</p>



<p><strong>Understanding Oneself: A Journey from Within</strong></p>



<p>Understanding oneselves is an ongoing journey. It goes beyond simply recognizing one’s interests, hobbies, and strengths, but involves delving into motivations, emotions, and values. We often lose sight of who we truly are due to societal expectations, the opinions of others, or external influences. To remain authentic in such a world, it is necessary to listen to our inner voice and confront our flaws and vulnerabilities.</p>



<p>As we navigate our identities, we find that our perceptions and expectations evolve at different stages of life. In our teenage years, we often seek acceptance and a sense of belonging. As adults, we shift our focus toward personal growth and achievements. By the time we reach old age, understanding the meaning of life takes center stage. Reflecting on our experiences at various stages helps us gain clarity about ourselves, comprehend the reasons behind our choices, and uncover the true motivations driving those decisions.</p>



<p><strong>Understanding Others: the Power of Empathy and Compassion<br /></strong></p>



<p>In our interactions with others, learning to see things from their perspective and understanding their emotions and viewpoints is crucial. Understanding others goes beyond just knowing their background and experiences. It involves empathizing with people and connecting to their feelings as well as experiences from a deeper perspective.</p>



<p>By sharing the stories of various individuals, we aim to break down stereotypes and showcase diverse life experiences.<strong>Whether it is about ordinary people or celebrities, everyone’s journey is filled with challenges and stories of growth.</strong>By learning from others&#8217; journeys and reflecting on our own, we become more capable of respecting and embracing different lifestyles and viewpoints.</p>



<p><strong>Understand the World: Expanding Our Horizons and Embracing Cross-Cultural Understanding</strong></p>



<p>The world is vast and diverse, with each person experiencing it from a unique perspective. To truly understand the world, we need to continually broaden our horizons and engage with people from different cultures, societies, and backgrounds. It’s only by viewing things through multiple lenses that we can grasp the complexity of the world and find our footing in an ever-changing landscape.<br /><br />We should strive to understand not just the customs and traditions of various countries, <strong>but also the significant events and trends that shape global dynamics. </strong>By observing and reflecting on different cultures and social phenomena, we can uncover the threads of human civilization’s development, leading to a deeper understanding of our shared fate throughout history.</p>



<p>&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Celebrating Life’s Uniqueness: Finding Strength in Stories</strong></p>



<p>In this section, we will showcase the unique aspects of each person’s life through engaging conversations and personal stories. Some tales may seem ordinary at first glance, but they often pack a powerful emotional punch; others might be filled with challenges, and it is those ups and downs that truly add depth to our experiences. Regardless of their backgrounds, these stories invite us to reflect on life’s diversity and our shared human emotions.</p>



<p>Each life is a distinct world, and together they weave the rich tapestry of our society.<strong>By sharing these varied stories, we aim to help readers find connections in their own journeys and foster a better understanding of others, ultimately empowering them to adapt and shape the world around them.<br /></strong></p>



<p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p>



<p>Understanding ourselves, others, and the world is an ongoing journey of self-exploration. Throughout this process, we continually refresh our perspectives on life, enrich our inner worlds, and deepen our sense of empathy for humanity and the vastness of the world. We hope this section inspires you and encourages everyone to keep moving forward on their life journey, seeking out their own unique value.</p>
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