I had two conversations within the span of two days
One was with a Chinese friend, who was sharing about their perspectives living in US, which she found to be more messy, chaotic, combative, and less efficient, she shared how they think it’s different how they focus on the individual more (which can hinder the overall efficiency and results of the group), rather than the more pragmatic and practical.
Another conversation with someone from the US who couldn’t understand the need in China for facial recognition to enter buildings, and how they found it creepy.
I tried to explain to them that most Chinese people don’t share those concerns, they see the state as an extension of the family, and are more concerned with efficiency, harmony, social responsibility and how well things actually work and are more welcoming of the use of technology for security and efficiency.
It’s true that the perspectives on AI now is quite different. China is embracing AI while it is more divisive in the west.
The key difference between the two conversations was that the Chinese person described it as being more centralist and efficient and the other described it as being authoritarian.
But this is more about values and perspective than about reality.
Often, what you say about the world says more about you
than it does about the world.
And in terms of cultures - the stories we tell, becomes the reality.
I explored this topic more in the article on clear thinking.
Collectivism Vs Individualism
In China harmony, and social responsibility are more important.
I am from Britain, with British, Scottish, Welsh, and Irish ancestors and consider myself to be quite individualistic naturally.
I have lived in China for over 12 years and so I believe I understand how both sides think.
This has led me to see the limitations of too much individualism, and the benefits of combining them and how to combine them well.
I was in China during one of the most fascinating times in history. It is probably one of the periods of fastest wealth creation and human development in the history of the world.
There is a significant information and understanding gap in the west because many people have got their information about China from social media or other forms of media.
