Difference: Eastern and Western Thinking as Seen by a Chinese Ambassador

Author: Lu Qiutan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: My long diplomatic career in Europe has given me the opportunity to meet many influential figures in politics, economy, and culture, as well as countless ordinary Europeans. I deeply realize that making friends is easy, but knowing someone truly is difficult. To understand a person, it is important to know their political affiliation, personal background, and personality traits, but what cannot be overlooked is understanding them within the context of their entire nation, understanding their way of thinking. In reality, making friends and knowing someone also involves the issue of life experience. Experience is crucial for diplomats, but it cannot be inherited or spontaneously generated. It comes from practice and learning. Unfortunately, when you lack experience in your youth, and when you have gained some experience, you are no longer young.