The exaggerated mission

Author: Wu Xiaobo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: Entrepreneurs may be one of the most awkward groups in China today. On one hand, they are regarded as "national heroes" and "role models of wealth," while on the other hand, they face accusations of "original sin." On one hand, they represent a powerful class, envied and popular, even assigned the responsibility of upholding order. On the other hand, they are hated and marginalized. Why have they found themselves in such a state of confusion in both self-perception and social perception? The disarray in dual cognition is largely caused by the public's misalignment in understanding the mission of entrepreneurs, as well as entrepreneurs' misunderstanding of their own purpose. Entrepreneurs are "unconsciously" burdened with responsibilities they should not bear, which inflates their perceived mission. In this situation, some cannot bear the weight, others lose their professional direction, and some use their mission as a pretext to pursue selfish and unjust gains, thereby subjecting the entire entrepreneurial class to scrutiny. We need to clarify the fundamental values of a modern commercial society, define the roles of each class in the ethical order of commerce, and establish fair rights and benefits for all those who contribute to national and social progress. No value should be underestimated, and no mission should be exaggerated. And this clarification must begin now.