I am currently in the Helsinki airport, returning from a great trip to China. One of the books that I read during my visit was China Shakes the World, by James Kynge. I had been to China three times previously and could sense the scope of what is happening there, but it wasn’t until I read this book that I felt like I got a good macro-picture idea of the forces inside China and interacting between China the rest of the world.
As soon as I get back to Joensuu, I want to briefly summarize some of the thoughts and my reactions regarding the following four topics:
The size and scope of industry in China
The strengths of China
The weak spots of China
The challenges and questions in the future for all of us
(Me at Chongqing, on the Yangtze River – city talked about in Chapter 2 of the book. Perhaps in the coming decade Chongqing might become the largest city on earth, with nearly 32 million people currently in the immediate municipality)
Clintofferro.
Jana just introduced me to your website. I feel like I have just been awakened to a new treasure…
Since I am commeneting on this post, I thought I’d add my awe when I was in China, at the stunning number of people that seemed to swarm the globe there. If somehow China is awakened to even a fraction of their potential, it would shake the world.
Unfortunately their are still too many chains around the people minds to allow the full expression of their potential. Yet there are a few who are beginning to burst forth. One day their government may learn that freedom, not control, is the source of true power.
Gerald
I’m glad you found me 🙂
I’ve sometimes thought about your time in China, and what it must have been like.
I’ve also wondered what it must have been like for the Chinese people who must have looked at you funny after you decided to shave your head here!
As far as chains, I think each society has them – and, yes, often it is easier to see them elsewhere.
I am interested in the chains around the minds of people in any society (even the U.S.) that keep people from the full expression of their potential.
You suggest freedom as an element in reaching potential. One of the things I would love to specifically study is what are all the elements that most promote people to reach their potential.
Any ideas about what some more of those things (that help or hinder human potential) might be?