From the Readers

'Equality' does not mean all are equal

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-06-10 16:31

Comment on "Toward an East Asian community" (China Daily, June 8)

The notion of "equality" in this world is flawed. Nobody was born equal if one notices. Some are richer than others, some wiser than others, some with greater opportunities than others. It is never equal from the day you come into this world. Hence equality is not the correct benchmark to establish a community. In fact, in order to achieve a community, there is great need to understand and accept that in life there is no equality. A lazy person cannot be given the same rewards as a hardworking person. In this world, there is no such thing as equality, even in the US. At the end of the day, success belongs to those who strive for it the right way. China's own history exemplifies clearly the rise when good systems are in place and the fall when bad systems are in place.

It is perhaps more appropriate that opportunities are opened to all whether equal or unequal. To address this, a commonly accepted system or methodology is needed.

The important criteria are the will of the people to succeed and to align with what is correct. Continuing balanced thoughts and actions are required for evolution, and there is never an end to this. Thus accepting and resolving challenges and problems is the right thing to do. Inevitably when a community becomes strong, peaceful and good, it will surely raise the jealousy and ire of others. Hence there isn't a moment one can be too relaxed.

While China is under the US' shadow, this is not a crime or a wrong thing. If a country's actions are correct naturally, the outcome should be the correct one, albeit the timing of the correct outcome may crystallize much sooner or much later depending on other circumstances surrounding and within it. Isn't this the way life is supposed to be? China can be humble about its achievement and she can also use her strength in the right way. To sit by and ignore world events is incorrect; rather, China has to exercise weighted actions as and when appropriate.

Asians on China Daily website