Yanwen’s blog

There are three things on my mind today.

First, our internet service was down since last Saturday. Both our internet and cell phone services are provided by Verizon. Yesterday, I nearly exhausted my cell phone data without realizing it and couldn’t get online to buy more. For a while, I felt very disconnected from the outside world, especially from my family in Beijing.

This took me back to when I first came to the U.S. in 1984. Back then, my family had to go to a distant telegraph office to make a long-distance call to me. It was very expensive at the time, and we were truly living in a disconnected age, separated by the vast Pacific.

Now, I find myself in a similar situation as my parents were when they sent me off to a faraway and unknown world. However, today’s mode of communication is far more advanced, and people are supposed to be more connected than they were 40 years ago. Yet, despite being physically closer to my children, with the internet being down, the feeling of disconnect persists.

By the way, a Verizon technician fixed the internet on Monday afternoon. He checked both the outside box and the inside equipment without finding the problem. After climbing up to inspect the high-hung wire, he left to investigate further. Eventually, he found the issue in our neighbor’s backyard—the low-hanging wire had become tangled with plant vines and was cut down by their trimmer.

Second thing, on the train to Manhattan, a young man who seemed like a recent migrant sat across from me. He was wearing a winter coat and carrying a bag, possibly his only possession. I took out a soft cloth to wipe my eyeglasses. He looked at me, and perhaps I reminded him of his distant family—his mother possibly struggling and hoping he could make a living in America and send money back home. I tried to recall if I was like this when I first came to the United States, but I couldn’t remember. At least, my family was better off than I was at that time.

Third thing, there’s Salem, my son’s cat. Salem has a weight problem, so they bought him diet food, a healthy choice. However, it’s not as tasty as the unhealthy treats he’s used to, so he absolutely refuses it, meowing loudly and angrily in protest. We also need to alternate between different flavors of canned food for him.

The issue is that the old Salem has been indulging in unhealthy food for so long that he’s grown accustomed to it. The switch to something healthier, though necessary, is hard for him to accept. Life would have been easier if he had been fed a healthy diet from a young age.

A Chinese saying goes, 习惯成自然 (xí guàn chéng zì rán), meaning "Habit becomes second nature." The saying emphasizes that habits, once formed, can become so ingrained that they feel like an inherent part of someone’s behavior. It captures how habits can shape actions and responses over time. In Salem's case, his reluctance to change his diet reflects a learned behavior rather than an unchangeable nature.

Raising pets shares some similarities with raising children, in that guardians need to instill good habits and behaviors early on. Old bad habits are difficult to break and often set the stage for big challenges later in life.

Our internet service was down when we returned home. After calling Verizon, I learned that the earliest a technician could come was Monday, meaning we’d be without internet for two full days. I’m currently dictating and editing on my phone.

On Saturday morning, my daughter came over, and we spent some time together shopping and having breakfast.

During our time together, we discussed the importance of dedicating more time to creating art and visiting museums to draw inspiration and nurture creativity. Like writing, the time invested in art creation is one of the best investments you can make in your future self.

She shared the joy of selling her artwork, which led us to talk about the added value that comes with creating art.

First, art serves as a powerful form of self-expression and can be deeply therapeutic. Engaging in creative activities can reduce stress, cheer you up, and provide a profound sense of accomplishment. These emotional benefits can have long-lasting positive effects on your overall well-being.

Second, consider the broader impact and legacy you leave behind. This is something people need to start thinking about earlier. Art has the unique power to inspire others and become part of your enduring legacy. The work you create today can influence and contribute to society, making your investment in art creation not only personally fulfilling but also socially significant.

Third, the time spent creating art also hones your skills that are transferable to other areas of life. Whether it’s problem-solving, attention to detail, or abstract thinking, these skills will benefit you in various future endeavors. A Chinese saying, 艺不压身 (yì bù yā shēn), meaning: Skill you possess is always useful. It suggests that the more skills or knowledge you accumulate, the better prepared you are for future challenges.

Finally, creating art demands focus and presence, which promotes mindfulness. This practice enhances your ability to stay present in other aspects of life, improving your future interactions and experiences.

In essence, engaging in art creation offers profound and multifaceted benefits. It’s not just about immediate satisfaction or monetary gain but about making a long-term investment in your future self. 

We are concluding our stay at my son's home in Brooklyn today, having enjoyed a wonderful time since August 2nd.

A friend recently asked me about the perceived double standards in Western media regarding anti-doping practices during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Criticism of double standards in Olympic anti-doping policies has been a recurring topic, particularly when controversies arise involving doping allegations. These debates often extend into broader discussions about fairness, transparency, power struggle and the sheer integrity of international sports competitions.

A significant focus of this criticism is on the United States, which some accuse of applying stricter anti-doping rules to athletes from other countries while being more lenient or protective toward its own athletes. This perceived inconsistency is often seen as a form of hypocrisy, undermining fairness in global sports.

For instance, consider the Sha'Carri Richardson case. The U.S. sprinter was suspended from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics after testing positive for marijuana, a substance banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Some American critics argued that the punishment was disproportionate, given that marijuana is legal in many parts of the U.S. The question is whether the response would have been the same if the athlete were from another country.

Another example is the infamous Carl Lewis vs. Ben Johnson case. During the 1988 Seoul Olympics, Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson was stripped of his gold medal after testing positive for steroids. Later, it was revealed that American sprinter Carl Lewis, who inherited the gold after Johnson's disqualification, had also failed drug tests in the lead-up to the Olympics. Yet, Lewis was not disqualified, a glaring example of double standards in the enforcement of doping rules.

The 2024 Paris Olympics have sparked further controversy surrounding the U.S. and its alleged double standards, particularly in anti-doping measures. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has faced criticism for its handling of cases involving American athletes, with some believing it reveals a bias compared to the treatment of international athletes, especially those from China.

For example, U.S. sprinter Erriyon Knighton was cleared by USADA after testing positive for a banned substance, with the explanation that it was due to contaminated meat. This decision surprised many, especially when contrasted with the stringent testing and accusations faced by Chinese athletes. The Chinese swimming team, for instance, underwent more anti-doping tests than any other nation, fueling discussions about fairness and double standards in the enforcement of these regulations.

Double standards are not confined to sports; they are often practiced at both individual and governmental levels. Individuals may tolerate behavior in themselves that they condemn in others, driven by a desire to protect their own interests. Similarly, governments may apply different standards to maintain power, control, or influence, tolerating violence from their allies while condemning similar actions by their adversaries.

A Chinese saying encapsulates this concept well: 只许州官放火，不许百姓点灯 (zhǐ xǔ zhōu guān fàng huǒ, bù xǔ bǎi xìng diǎn dēng), which translates to "Only the official is allowed to set fires, but the common people are not allowed to light lamps." This vividly illustrates the hypocrisy and inequality inherent in double standards, where those in power impose strict rules on others while exempting themselves. It's akin to saying, "There are some things that only I can do, but not you."

Addressing double standards is challenging, as they are often rooted in biases and power struggles. However, certain mechanisms can help mitigate their impact. The media, for instance, can play a crucial role by raising public awareness about the unfairness and hypocrisy of double standards, contributing to a more equitable and just environment.

On August 10th and 12th, I shared some thoughts on Morgan Housel's book Same as Ever: A Guide to What Never Changes. Today, I’d like to explore another chapter that particularly resonates with me, titled "Calm Plants the Seeds of Crazy: Crazy doesn't mean broken. Crazy is normal; beyond the point of crazy is normal." This chapter delves into the intriguing relationship between calmness and chaos, stability and disruption, especially within the context of economic cycles.

Housel draws on Hyman Minsky's seminal financial instability hypothesis, which unfolds as follows:

• When an economy is stable, people become optimistic.
• As optimism grows, so does debt.
• As debt accumulates, the economy becomes unstable.

Minsky's key insight is that stability itself is destabilizing. A growing belief in the continuity of good times propels us—like a law of physics—toward eventual disruption.

First, when circumstances are calm or stable, they quietly set the stage for instability. Complacency takes root, leading people to take risks they would otherwise avoid.

Second, rather than viewing craziness as abnormal, Housel suggests that a certain degree of it is inherent to human behavior—indeed, it’s expected. When events move "beyond the point of crazy," it may signal a return to stability, underscoring the cyclical nature of stability and instability.

Third, Minsky's theory posits that economic stability breeds overconfidence. When people feel secure, they are more inclined to take on debt, believing that prosperity will continue indefinitely. Ironically, the very stability they seek is what eventually precipitates economic crises.

A Chinese saying, 物极必反 (wù jí bì fǎn), perfectly encapsulates this dynamic. It means "things will develop in the opposite direction when they become extreme." When a situation reaches its peak or an extreme state, it naturally reverses course. This concept aligns with the idea that prolonged stability can lead to instability, just as chaos can eventually give rise to a new order. It reflects the cyclical nature of many processes in life and in society, where balance is ultimately restored after extremes are reached.

In essence, this chapter illuminates the delicate equilibrium between stability and instability, calm and chaos, prosperity and decline, order and disorder. Stability can paradoxically be destabilizing, sowing the seeds for the next crisis, just as prosperity often carries within it the seeds of decline—good fortune and misfortune are inextricably linked.

A friend of ours from Kansas called me a few days ago, and the conversation has lingered in my thoughts ever since. Her daughter, approaching 40 next year, has established herself as a successful manager in a midsize company. Meanwhile, her husband continues to work as a chef at a local Chinese restaurant, despite having surpassed the full retirement age. Rather than retiring, he has chosen to keep working and delay applying for Social Security benefits.

Most people, given the chance, would have retired by now to savor life while still in good health and able to enjoy it. However, for some people, work offers more than just a paycheck—it provides a sense of purpose and routine that can be hard to relinquish. Others might view delaying Social Security as a strategic financial move, knowing that waiting until age 70 can result in higher monthly payments.

However, while financial security is undeniably important, it’s equally crucial to make time for personal fulfillment. Retirement brings with it the freedom to pursue passions, travel, relax, and immerse oneself in experiences that truly bring joy. For those who are financially prepared, embracing retirement can open doors to new interests, quality time with loved ones, and the opportunity to genuinely enjoy the fruits of their lifetime labor and contribution to society: social security payments.

A Chinese saying, 人生七十古来稀 (Rén shēng qī shí gǔ lái xī), translates to, "It is rare for a person to live to seventy years old." This ancient proverb reflects a time when reaching seventy was a significant and uncommon milestone. Although modern life expectancy far surpasses this age, the wisdom within the saying remains relevant—life is unpredictable. 

Even with advancements in healthcare, there’s value in considering how best to use the time we have, particularly in retirement. We should enjoy life as soon as it’s financially feasible. Life is too short to be spent solely in the pursuit of money or in a job that no longer brings value and satisfaction, especially when one has passed the age where other fulfilling options are still within reach.

Of course, ultimately, the best choice depends on each individual circumstances, including financial needs, health, job satisfaction, and personal values. It’s a balance between preparing for the future and enjoying the present. Let us hope that we can all enjoy the fruits of our labor when the time comes.