ABSTRACT
In 1927, Lu Xun, the Chinese thinker and writer whose work has influenced many generations, delivered a speech called The Silent China in Hong Kong that was considered a classic description of the Chinese people at that time. He said, “It is the Chinese people’s disposition to always prefer reconciliation and compromise. For example, if you say you want to open a window in a dark room to let in some light, everybody will be against you. However, if you suggest that the roof needs to be removed to let in the light, those same people would then want to work with you to reach a compromise. Suddenly, they may be amenable to the idea of opening a window. Unless faced with drastic proposals, the Chinese are not even willing to implement moderate reform.” 1
