jlk – China, also known as the People’s Republic of China (PRC), or simply as China, is an undeniable phenomenon due to its status as the world’s most populous country.
In recent decades, China has demonstrated remarkable progress in the fields of science and technology, even managing to rival or surpass other advanced countries such as Japan and the United States.
How did China achieve this? What is the secret behind their success? Did they merely imitate and steal technology from other countries, or do they possess genuine innovation and creativity?
Do they have a culture and tradition that support the development of science, or are they simply fortunate to have abundant resources and labor?
These questions may often arise in your mind, especially if you are a scientist, engineer, entrepreneur, politician, or even just an ordinary citizen concerned about the future of the world. This article will attempt to answer these questions in a scientific manner.
The goal of this article is to provide you with new insights into how China has become a leading country in the field of technology, as well as its impacts and implications for the world.
The article also aims to critique and debunk some stereotypes and prejudices that often arise about China and the Chinese people, demonstrating that they are ordinary humans with strengths and weaknesses, aspirations, and challenges, just like all of us.
Literature Review
Before delving further into how China became a leading country in technology, it is worthwhile to first understand the background and history of the development of science and technology in China.
This is important to grasp the different contexts and perspectives between China and other countries, as well as to appreciate the contributions and achievements they have made.
China is one of the oldest civilizations in the world, with a history spanning more than 4,000 years.
During this period, China has produced many influential inventions and discoveries that have impacted the world, such as paper, ink, printing, the compass, gunpowder, fireworks, rockets, clocks, calculators, seismographs, acupuncture, and much more.
Many of these inventions have formed the basis for the development of science and technology in the Western world, which often fails to acknowledge or appreciate their original sources.
One factor that enabled China to produce these inventions is the unique character of Chinese society, based on humanism, rationalism, pragmatism, and collectivism.
Humanism is a system of thought that prioritizes human values over divine or supernatural values. Rationalism is an attitude that relies on reason and logic rather than emotions and superstition.
Pragmatism is an approach that focuses on tangible and effective results rather than abstract and idealistic theories and speculations.
Collectivism is an orientation that places the interests of the group and society above the interests of the individual and private.
This character of Chinese society has been formed since ancient times when King Zhou, the founder of the Zhou Dynasty that ruled China from 1046 BC to 256 BC, issued a royal decree abolishing slavery, distributing land to slaves, and removing religious leaders from the royal politics, replaced by intellectuals.
This policy was a very progressive step for its time, creating a united, free, equal, and independent nation, and opening a new chapter for the resurgence of humanism in China.
Humanism in China later evolved into various schools of thought known as the “Hundred Schools,” including Confucianism, Taoism, Legalism, Mohism, and others.
These schools competed and debated with each other, but also influenced and contributed to the development of science, philosophy, ethics, politics, and arts in China.
One of the most influential schools is Confucianism, taught by Kong Qiu or Confucius, a philosopher and teacher who lived in the 6th century BC.
Confucianism teaches the importance of morality, virtue, propriety, loyalty, and social obligations, as well as respecting ancestors and traditions.
Confucianism also emphasizes the importance of education, seen as a means to achieve self-improvement and societal well-being.
One of the key concepts in Confucianism is “ren,” which means “humanity” or “benevolence.”
Ren is the fundamental nature possessed by all humans, which distinguishes them from animals.
Ren is also the highest standard that humans must achieve, reflecting goodness, wisdom, justice, and compassion. To achieve ren, humans must practice “li,” which means “ritual” or “etiquette.”
Li is the rules that govern human behavior in various social situations, aimed at creating harmony, order, and beauty.
Li also includes appreciation for science, art, and culture, seen as part of human heritage and wealth.
These Confucian concepts have shaped the character and culture of the Chinese nation for centuries, reflected in various aspects of their lives, including in the fields of science and technology.
The Chinese tend to have a high curiosity, strong learning spirit, respect for science, and motivation to contribute to the progress and welfare of society.
The Chinese also tend to have good adaptation skills, high flexibility, and high creativity, enabling them to discover and utilize various resources and opportunities around them.
The Chinese also tend to have a strong work ethic, high discipline, and good cooperation, allowing them to solve various complex and large challenges and projects.
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