Nov 22 2009
Advice From Grandma
Thomas Friedman thinks there are two things distinguish a great nation: good governance and imagination. And USA still has the later.
President Obama’s visit to China this week inevitably invites comparisons between the world’s two leading powers. You know what they say: Britain owned the 19th century, America owned the 20th century, and, it’s all but certain that China will own the 21st century. Maybe, but I’m not ready to cede the 21st century to China just yet.
Why not? It has to do with the fact that we are moving into a hyperintegrated world in which all aspects of production — raw materials, design, manufacturing, distribution, fulfillment, financing and branding — have become commodities that can be accessed from anywhere by anyone. But there are still two really important things that can’t be commoditized. Fortunately, America still has one of them: imagination.
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I couldn’t agree more. The rote learning doesn’t really produce next innovators. For example, the fact all Chinese Nobel Laureates are living/working in the USA when they won this prestigious prize. And given the fact Chinese counted 1/5 on this planet but only handful few had won.
As for government .. hmmmm .. I wish US could use some Chinese ways .. to get things done. For too long, I feel this country is way too liberal and too wasteful. Let’s not go into details. This is a great nation, that everyone has a chance .. but by just thinking of Sarah Palin made me chilling.