ABSTRACT
It was Dong Zhongshu 1 of the Han Dynasty (202 BC–220 AD) who first warned enlightened men against the pursuit of quick success and instant benefits (PQSIB). More than 2,000 years later, this is one of the most common phrases used to describe the current generation of Chinese people. Many informants, professors, and executives alike lament the fact that the Chinese people currently tend to approach life with a PQSIB mindset, an unfortunate syndrome that most in society would like to eliminate. If you encounter a Chinese person and want to make an insightful, yet inoffensive critique of the Chinese, just empathize with him about PQSIB syndrome; it will make an instant impression and he will likely be ready to engage in a deep conversation with you.
