According to an Associated Press report, Chinese President Hu Jintao recently made personal development a Chinese mandate. When he issued a list of do's and don'ts of virtuous living, he signaled that China is making personal development and virtuous living a national goal. Hmmm, perhaps we should learn from this.
Let's examine President Hu Jintao's list for areas we might agree signal the virtuous life for you and me:
- Love, do not harm, the motherland.
This is clearly a plea for patriotism. No argument here, but my version of this first virtuous life mandate would stop with Love. Just love. A person who reaches the ability to love all beings unconditionally is someone who has climbed to the pinnacle of self development.
- Serve, don't disserve, the people.
Always a noble goal. There is pride and dignity in service, though I always stress that we must include self in those we choose to serve.
- Uphold science; don't be ignorant and unenlightened.
Pretty specific, more intended to build support for an area of Chinese emphasis, than for virtuous living. How about expanding this to uphold all systems that further human development?
- Work hard; don't be lazy and hate work.
I'd broaden this to work hard and do your best; always strive to do your best at what you choose to do.
- Be united and help each other; don't gain benefits at the expense of others.
Can't quarrel with this advice, though I'd put it number two.
- Be honest and trustworthy, not profit-mongering at the expense of your values.
Terrific advice. Being honest to myself about myself is a noble goal of personal growth and a solid foundation for a virtuous life.
- Be disciplined and law-abiding instead of chaotic and lawless.
No argument here.
- Know plain living and hard struggle, do not wallow in luxuries and pleasures.
This sounds more like a plea to put up with poverty and a weak infrastructure than a goal of virtuosity. I'd leave this off my list.
Some specific goals of China aside, this is a pretty good list. Do you agree with my suggested modifications? Share your list for virtuous living in the following discussion.
Jerry Lopper - IPPA member, business and engineering degrees. Jerry's passion for personal development shows in 5 books, hundreds of articles & ...
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