Dr. James C. Y. Soong, Director-General of the Government Information Office, used the popular Chinese song, "The Dragon Seeds" as his theme when he addressed military cadets at Chengkungling on Aug. 4. He urged his audience of more than 10,000 to play a historic role in creating a new image of the country of "great wisdom, great fraternity and great courage," as outlined by President Chiang Ching-kuo. Dr. Soong also emphasized that in facing all kinds of tribulations, the country needs greater patriotism, enthusiasm, loyalty, sense of service and dedication from its people, because only worthy sons can make a worthy nation.
Dr. Soong opened his speech by saying: "It has been 18 years since I last visited Chengkungling. During the interval, the trees at the military base have grown, and all the buildings and facilities are better furnished. In fact, the changes at Chengkungling epitomize the development and progress of our country. But I think the basic spirit of Chengkungling has never changed. With your smart haircuts and green uniforms, each one of you is like a sprouting bud, having the potential of infinite vitality and hope."
Dr. Soong then gave his personal experiences in the United States as an example of how he has personally benefited from the training he received about two decades ago at Chengkungling. He said that while he was studying at Berkeley in California, he had to take a bus to school because the rooming house he rented was some distance from the campus. The bus fare was as high as 50 cents for a round trip, while a pocket book cost only 50 to 60 cents in general. To save money, he decided to walk to and from school with his roommate who had also received military training at Chengkungling. On the way, they would sing military songs they had learned at Chengkungling to make their tedious walk more bearable. As time passed, the songs they loved to sing and hear became one of their most cherished memories.
Dr. Soong then turned to the most popular song among the young men at Chengkungling--"The Dragon Seeds." He said he is always moved to tears when he hears the passage in the song which says: "Though I have never seen the beauty of the Long River, I always roam there in my dreams; though I have never heard the roaring of the Yellow River, I can always conjure up a picture of its turbulent waters." Today, the Gargantuan dragon of the orient no longer rides in the clouds against the blue sky, but is bruised and cornered in shallow water, and even sported by toads, Dr. Soong said.
The reasons as stated by the author of "Dragon Seeds," are: "Hundreds of years ago, on the eve of tremendous change, gunshots shattered the serene night, while all around were swords of appeasement. For years, the cannon has kept on roaring...."
This sums up events in the past century when millions of Chinese suffered under the experiments of various political systems, including constitutional monarchy, socialism and Communism.
During the past 30 years, detente and power politics have dominated the world arena. As a result, justice, truth and moral courage have been obscured, and adverse tides have continued to buffet the nation. With their unfounded prejudices, some unfriendly westerners have tried to distort the image of the Republic of China. Even more regrettable, when the distorted reports reached this country, people began to lose their confidence and self-respect.
In fact, it was not until the middle of the century that the Chinese in the bastion of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu found the correct course to follow and an appropriate model for development. Dr. Soong said that the tremendous progress made in politics, education, economics, and social and cultural construction since then in the Republic of China is not to be denied. Above all, he pointed out that economic achievements have been described as a "miracle" in the international community.
He reiterated that without social stability, well-developed education, hard-working people and able and open government, the remarkable economic achievements in this bastion of national revival would not have been possible. Giving an example, he said that the March 31 issue of Newsweek carried an article entitled "The Juggernaut Economy" which reported on the economic achievements of the Republic of China. It said that "Taiwan's workers demand and receive the highest wages in Asia outside of Japan," that Taiwan attained even greater success after the break in diplomatic relations with the U.S., that Taiwan's exports are growing rapidly, that its inflation rate has been reduced to the minimum, that "unemployment was virtually abolished," that individual income was raised significantly, that "the government is making a genuine effort to distribute the affluence evenly," that people's living standard have been improved, that to whittle down its massive trade surpluses with the U.S., Taiwan dispatched more "Buy America" missions to the U.S., and that by pushing the switch to nuclear power, it actually cut down consumption of energy.
But some people still make unfair and inaccurate assessments on the political and social conditions of the Republic of China. They try to smear the image of the Republic of China intentionally or unintentionally to create an impression that the country is not open, democratic or free.
In order to give the false impression that they are presenting an impartial report, some foreign journals start by acknowledging the achievements of the Republic of China, and then add some biased criticisms and judgements, Dr. Soong said.
He gave another example of a photograph showing the late President Chiang Kai-shek and Henry Pu Yi, the last emperor of the Manchu court, supposedly standing together reviewing troops. This picture appeared in a book entitled China's Three Thousand Years: the Story of a Great Civilization published by Collier Books in 1974. The five authors, claimed to be authorities on Chinese affairs, but anyone with even a little understanding of modern Chinese history knows that the government of the Republic of China has never acknowledged the legality of the so-called "Manchoukuo." In the year the picture was taken in 1935, the late President Chiang and Pu Yi had never met, let alone reviewed troops together. Evidently, the picture is a forgery or has intentionally misidentified people to distort historical facts and to support such lies as "the Communists fought and won the Sino-Japanese War." Dr. Soong regretted that the book has degraded itself into a sounding board for the despotic and tyrannical rule of the Chinese Communist regime. He further deplored the fact that the conscience of academic and cultural circles, as well as morality and justice, are withering.
Dr. Soong continued, however, that rational Chinese do not believe in revenge on a "tooth for a tooth and an eye for an eye" basis. He said: "We should not contract xenophobia owing to the actions of those who have humiliated us. History tells us that the "Boxer Rebellion" method of trying to expel foreigners will not help us to solve problems, but will rather impede the development of the nation." He said that there is an old Chinese saying which tells if one is criticized, one should correct one's errors if there are any; otherwise, one should take the opportunity to state the views of One's country. "If our country upholds a sound and vigorous outlook, and the people regain their confidence, no one will be able to humiliate us any more," Dr. Soong said.
Referring to the Confucian Analects, he said: "When Tsze-kung asked Confucius if there is one word which may serve as a rule of behavior, the great master replied: 'Is not reciprocity such a word? What you do not want done unto yourself, do not do unto others.'" Dr. Soong urged the student trainees to be patient and work hard so as to display the excellent traditions and culture of the Chinese people.
Dr. Soong said that though he feels the beginnings of anger whenever he sees or hears malicious slander and accusations fabricated by some left-wing elements, foreign politicians, and dissidents, he always controls his temper and meditates the problem in silence. He is certain that a nation beset by adversity needs loyal and devoted young men to keep it strong. In spite of outside reverse, Dr. Soong said that he and his colleagues have never lost their confidence and self-respect. The greater the frustrations are, the harder they will struggle.
Dr. Soong continued that in times of adversity, the students would find the lessons learned at school, the training received at the military base, and above all, traditional Chinese philosophy, to be invaluable. He pointed out that the Republic of China, Japan, Korea and Singapore are known by many scholars as an economic area of the "Neo-Confucian Culture" based on their achievements in economic development. This bears witness to the role Confucianism plays in today's society. As the philosophy advocates the harmony of people-to-people relationships, it can reduce international tensions. The spreading of this harmonious relationship to factories and society at large is helpful to economic growth.
Dr. Soong, however, lamented that as the fountainhead of Confucian civilization, the Republic of China has neglected this treasure. Dr. Soong said he would like to share the experiences of his own generation with the young audience. In dealing with people and events, he is assisted considerably by two concepts: "faithfulness" and "reciprocity." Faithfulness means doing one's best, and reciprocity means putting oneself in another's position. With the thorough implementation of these two concepts, a person may realize that "when internal scrutiny discovers nothing wrong, what is there to be anxious about, what is there to fear?" as advocated by Confucius.
Dr. Soong said that in the course of the nation's hard struggle, "we may encounter many setbacks and frustrations, but we will still have many reasons to celebrate. What matters most is that the experiences and lessons we receive in the process may help people to become more mature and unwavering, and realize how to attain set goals."
Dr. Soong pointed out that the spirit of "trying one's best" is perhaps the most valuable part of traditional Chinese culture, which may lead the people to march forward in defiance of adverse tides. In this tumultuous world, Dr. Soong urged students to uphold the "who else but me" spirit, and make up their minds to be staunch supporters of the nation.
Dr. Soong said he was deeply impressed with several passages in the Confucian Analects. One reads: "A youth, when at home, should be filial, and while away should be respectful to his elders. He should be earnest and truthful. He should overflow with love for all, and cultivate the friendship of good people. When he has the time and opportunity, he should engage ib quiet study." Another one reads: "Let his words be sincere and truthful, and his actions honorable and careful. Such conduct may be adhered to among the rude tribes of the South or the North." Still another reads: "One should, in retirement, be sedately grave; in the management of business, be reverently attentive; in intercourse with others, be strictly sincere. Though a man goes among rude, uncultivated tribes, these qualities should not be abandoned."
Dr. Soong said that two principles may be drawn from the above passage--to be sincere in dealing with people, and to be conscientious in action. For years he has adhered to and greatly benefited from these two principles.
He then pointed out that though some people follow the precepts of another old Chinese saying: "One should never intentionally hurt others, but should always beware of others hurting oneself." Dr. Soong finds it easier to treat people and things with simple sincerity, because he can never tell who he should beware of, nor has he ever intended to hurt anyone. Furthermore, if everyone doubts his neighbor, then the world will be filled with suspicion.
Soong said that his simple sincerity and open manner in treating people and events are of great benefit since his superiors, colleagues, and friends never hesitate to give him support, criticism and suggestions where needed. Even people he does not know write to him to give him advice on his work.
Dr. Soong told the students that when they encounter frustrations and unhappiness in their daily lives, they may want to try out his philosophy. They will always succeed if they meet adversity head-on, and stay cool whether they are victorious or are being slandered. He encouraged the students to carry out all the teachings of the Four Books, and some day, they may savor the true value of traditional Chinese philosophy.
Dr. Soong then said that the students are lucky to hold the key of the door to knowledge and wisdom in universities and colleges. Ideally, educated men must have wisdom, courage, and a sense of responsibility and righteousness. They should not call themselves gentlemen, but should have the temperament and dedication unique to people educated in China--"To be the first person in the world to show concern, and the last to indulge in pleasure." In other words, they must carry out their duty first before they can enjoy what is due to them. They must always ask: "what can I do for my country," instead of "what can my country do for me."
Giving an example from his stay in the United States, Dr. Soong pointed out that some people studying abroad prefer to say they are "neutral" and "impartial" elements and that they are not interested in politics. It seems that the problems of the Chinese people are none of their business. Dr. Soong said that if a person cannot find roots in his own country, he can never dedicate himself to its interests. As a mere observer, he can never have an attachment to his land, and can only play the role of an impractical and aloof critic.
Several years ago, when he was studying in the U.S., he discovered that there were many Indian students there. Though they achieved high academic standards, they showed no concern over the affairs of their mother country, and very few of them returned to contribute their learning. Their excuse was that the research and academic environment in India was too primitive for them to develop their talents fully. If this attitude continues, overall development in India will be unbalanced. Though progress has been made in heavy industry, and nuclear weapons have been produced, India's grassroots social construction work lags far behind. Most of the people are poverty-stricken, and disparity in the distribution of wealth between rich and poor is tremendous. When floods and droughts occur, many die of hunger. "What uses are such highly educated people to their country if they live in exile?" Dr. Soong asked.
He said that he is convinced that "suggestions are better than criticisms, and services better than suggestions." If everyone works conscientiously at his appointed post, and helps to solve social problems, then the country and society at large have a promising future.
Dr. Soong said that he realized that college life is enjoyable. In addition to participating in all kinds of clubs, the students can engage in camping, dancing, playing bridge, swimming, hiking, photography, holding barbecues, learning foreign languages, presenting modern and traditional Peiping operas, and other activities. Dr. Soong, however, hoped that the students could spare some time for public service and philanthropic works such as visiting orphanages, old people's homes, hospitals, isolated areas or neighboring communities. He said that by properly using their time, wisdom, and energy, the students will become useful members of society and the human race.
Dr. Soong then describes how a person can improve himself through service. He said "to give is more rewarding than to receive," because by helping others, one can attest to one's own value, and earn public respect. During a period of social upheavals, one basic fact is unchangeable--people need love, care and mutual help. If everyone plants his feet firmly on the ground and cultivates his own land, the whole earth will turn into a wide expanse of green fields.
If everyone contributes his utmost endeavors to serving society, harmony and development will be attainable. In the process of service and dedication, people will become more optimistic, vigorous, and philanthropic. They will be sympathetic to their fellowmen, be tolerant of others' shortcomings, and create a better world in which to live.
Such a noble spirit, and open and candid attitude will help people to gain wisdom and ability, and to transcend themselves, Dr. Soong declared. He urged the youths to maintain simplicity in outlook of life in this highly developed material world.
Dr. Soong then reiterated the importance of a traditional moral spirit taken from the experiences of the nation's forefathers. He reminded his audience that in the face of all kinds of adversities and harassment, youth must not waste their time with regrets or fears. The country is in desperate need of young men to join in construction work to step up reform and development. He hoped that the trainees will become forceful cadets, and will be able to proudly proclaim themselves as "a better generation."
He advised the students to embrace the ambition of bettering not only themselves but the world also. He hoped that when the time comes for them to receive the historic torch passed on to them, they will be able to act quickly and decisively.
Dr. Soong maintained that the vitality and energy of the people comprise the most valuable "capital resource" to prevent outside interference, adversity and slander from hurting the nation. He trusted that "together, we will be able to save our nation from distress, to re-create the national culture, and to unify the nation in the face of divisions, and reconstruct it from chaos.
"We must encourage each other not to lose our sense of direction in this affluent material world. We should resolutely shoulder the responsibility of 'inheriting the teachings of ancient sages, and educating posterity,' to re-create a new vista for our country. We should try to grasp the essence of traditional Chinese culture in deep meditation and action. We should carry on the life of the nation, the torch of history, and the essentials of culture. We must re-build this civilized old nation on a new basis marked by freedom, democracy, strength, affluence, unity, peace and love."
Dr. Soong then summed up his speech by saying that description of the younger generation as "dragon seeds" may not be so far-fetched as it seems. He said that as long as everyone understands the difficulties of the nation and the needs of society, and maintains self-reliance and love for the people and nation, and the enthusiasm of serving people, he will be able to stay firm in his task, and will be able to carry out the principle of "treating people with sincerity, and dealing with things diligently." Dr. Soong said: "We must shoulder the historic responsibility of creating a new image of our country characterized by 'great wisdom, great fraternity and great courage,' as put forward by President Chiang Ching-kuo. Everyone who embraces such ideals is qualified to be called a 'dragon Seed.'"
Dr. Soong ended his speech by using two phrases from the song "Dragon Seeds" as a benediction: "Sons, sons, grow fast, but always remember you are dragon seeds."
[Picture Caption]
Dr. James C. Y. Soong, Director-General of the Government Information Office, addresses military cadets at Chengkungling on Aug. 4. More than 12,000 young student trainees sat on benches while they listened to the speech.
After the speech, Dr. Soong was invited to attend a seminar, at which student representatives put forward all kinds of questions for discussion with Dr. Soong. The students' clear diction and open manner impressed Dr. Soong with the fact that they are "dragon seeds."
Dr. James C. Y. Soong, Director-General of the Government Information Office, addresses military cadets at Chengkungling on Aug. 4. More than 12,000 young student trainees sat on benches while they listened to the speech.
Dr. James C. Y. Soong, Director-General of the Government Information Office, addresses military cadets at Chengkungling on Aug. 4. More than 12,000 young student trainees sat on benches while they listened to the speech.
After the speech, Dr. Soong was invited to attend a seminar, at which student representatives put forward all kinds of questions for discussion with Dr. Soong. The students' clear diction and open manner impressed Dr. Soong with the fact that they are "dragon seeds.".
@List.jpg?w=522&h=410&mode=crop&format=webp&quality=80)
@List.jpg?w=522&h=410&mode=crop&format=webp&quality=80)
@List.jpg?w=522&h=410&mode=crop&format=webp&quality=80)
