Yanwen’s blog

Last Monday, I read a Bloomberg article titled "Mercedes Gets Nod to Test High-Level Self-Driving in Beijing." Mercedes-Benz AG announced that it "has become the first international auto brand permitted to test advanced autonomous driving in Beijing at a time when domestic and global carmakers are racing to develop the technology."

This news highlights China's strategic yet cautious approach to opening its autonomous driving market to international brands, which carries significant implications for the global auto industry and the future of mobility.

A Chinese saying comes to mind: 好风凭借力，送我上青云 (hǎo fēng píng jiè lì, sòng wǒ shàng qīng yún), meaning "With the help of a favorable wind, I can soar to the blue skies." This metaphorically expresses the idea of leveraging favorable circumstances or external assistance to reach new heights. In this context, China is using the "favorable wind" of foreign technological expertise to propel its advancements in the auto industry.

First, allowing international companies like Tesla, GM, and Mercedes-Benz to test autonomous vehicles in China suggests that the country is keen on accelerating technological advancements by leveraging global expertise. The influx of data from these trials in diverse and complex urban environments like Beijing and Shanghai will undoubtedly benefit the development of autonomous driving technologies worldwide.

Second, by permitting international brands to conduct trials under agreed-upon conditions, China ensures that it can monitor and regulate the integration of these technologies while safeguarding its interests.

Third, as international and domestic companies race to develop these technologies, the auto industry's landscape is likely to see a shift, with autonomous driving becoming a key selling point for consumers.

Fourth, China's decisions on which companies can test and develop technologies within its borders will likely have far-reaching consequences for the global market.

Finally, the writers of this news piece seem to have a nuanced understanding of the geopolitical and economic implications of China’s decision. They are aware of the broader impact on global technology development and intense market competition. They also appreciate the significance of data in advancing autonomous driving technology, highlighting the potential benefits for the industry.

In the ever-evolving landscape of global technology, China’s approach to autonomous driving serves as an example in strategic collaboration. By opening its doors to international auto giants, China is not merely participating in the race for innovation; it is also shaping the course and the future market. 

As the propitious winds of global cooperation propel the country toward new heights, China’s careful balancing of progress and protection demonstrates a keen understanding of the intricate dynamics at play. In this new era of mobility, China is poised to soar at the forefront of this transformation when it harnesses the power of partnership to drive the future of the global auto industry.

It's been a week since we came to live at my son's place in Brooklyn on 8/2. I picked up a book that he's been reading, Same as Ever: A Guide to What Never Changes by Morgan Housel.

There are some parts that offer deep insights into the complex relationship between wealth, happiness, and expectations.

"People gauge their well-being relative to those around them, and luxuries become necessities in a remarkably short period of time when the people around you become better off."

Here the author touches on the psychological phenomenon of relative deprivation, where people measure their satisfaction not against their own past experiences or absolute standards, but in comparison to others around them. This can create a never-ending cycle where contentment is always just out of reach, pushing people to constantly strive for more, not out of need, but because of the perceived standard set by those around them. 

Housel is critical about modern economy when he says, "Today's economy is good at generating three things: wealth, the ability to show off wealth, and great envy for other people's wealth." 

That is, the modern economy focuses on material success and the shallow appearance of that success. The wealthy appearance serves to foster a culture of comparison, envy and discontent. 

Social media and other platforms have helped blowing up this culture by making it easier than ever to show off wealth and success, leading to a pervasive sense of inadequacy for those who feel they can’t keep up. 

This cycle of showing off and envying wealth can detract from the true sources of happiness, such as meaningful relationships, spiritual values, and personal fulfillment, as people become shallow material chasers and more focused on what they lack rather than what they have.

I remember my childhood, when abundance was scarce, but we were all in the same boat. Despite the simplicity of those times, we found joy and content in creating our own toys.

Because of today's superficial culture of comparison and envy in America, "We might have higher incomes, more wealth, and bigger homes--but it's all so quickly smothered by inflated expectations."

This reminds me of the concept of the hedonic treadmill, where people quickly adapt to improvements in their material conditions, leading to ever-increasing expectations that are difficult to satisfy. As incomes rise and people acquire more, the joy these gains initially bring tends to diminish over time, replaced by a new desire for even more. 

The constant pursuit of greater wealth and better things can lead to a paradox where, despite having more than before, people feel less happy now than before. Another paradox in American culture, which prides itself on individualism, is that personal happiness often relies on the approval and support of others.

Finally, here's Charlie Munger’s quote on happiness and expectations: "The first rule of a happy life is low expectations. If you have unrealistic expectations you're going to be miserable your whole life. You want to have reasonable expectations and take life's results, good and bad, as they happen with a certain amount of stoicism."

Munger’s advice is a call to embrace stoicism and moderation in our desires. By setting reasonable expectations, we protect ourselves from the disappointment that often accompanies unmet aspirations. According to Munger, happiness is less about achieving certain outcomes and more about managing our expectations and reactions to the inevitable ups and downs of life. 

Munger's philosophy of life and happiness aligns with the broader themes in Housel’s work, underscoring the idea that happiness is more about mindset than material success, more about values and the spirits inside us than things external.

On August 3rd, Chinese tennis player Zheng Qinwen made history by winning the gold medal in the women's singles tennis event at the Olympics. This victory is not just a personal triumph but also a symbol of a broader economic shift in China.

Tennis is a sport that requires significant financial investment, with every stage—from training to competing internationally—demanding substantial resources. For example, Zheng’s father hired top coaches, such as Carlos Rodríguez, with annual fees of 600,000 yuan, and sent her to train in the United States, adding to the financial burden. Overall, the family's annual expenses for her tennis career reached up to 3 million yuan.

It was said that Father Zheng spent 20 million yuan on her tennis career. They even sold their house. Growing up, Zheng Qinwen never eats snacks or drinks sodas, leading a very frugal life. As Zheng Qinwen said, she can be where she is now all because her mother quit her job when she was 12 to fully support her and her father’s supervision that pushed her to continuously improve. This reminds me so much of the experience of pianist Lang Lang's journey and the sacrifice that his parents made for him.

Zheng Qinwen's success is not just a victory on the court; it’s a testament to the evolving dynamics of Chinese society with the rise of a middle class, where from an ordinary family, determination, private support, and a new generation of athletes are beginning to redefine the future of sports in China. 

On the one hand, Zheng's story is emblematic of a broader shift from state-sponsored programs to a more diversified system where individual sacrifices and private sponsorships are increasingly pivotal.

On the other hand, her personal triumph also raises a poignant question: what about the countless talented young athletes who lack the financial backing Zheng's family provided? While Zheng's journey highlights the huge expenses, the potential for personal and societal advancement, it also underscores the challenges faced by those who do not have the same resources or opportunities. 

A Chinese saying goes, “苦尽甘来”(kǔ jìn gān lái), meaning: Bitterness ends and sweetness begins. This teaches people that after enduring the bitter hardship of training and diligent practice, you will taste the sweetness of success and rewards. It also reflects the sacrifices Zheng's family made and the success they are now beginning to see. This captures the essence of her journey and the broader aspiration for a system where all who are talented and willing to endure hardship can eventually taste the rewards of their efforts.

On Tuesday evening, during a meeting with one of my Korean students, I found myself reflecting on the cultural and traditional roles of women in some Asian countries.

When I scheduled our meeting for 5 pm, she asked if I needed time to prepare dinner. I replied that I didn't, as my husband handles the cooking. She was surprised, as most husbands in Korea don't do housework.

I mentioned that I encourage my son to pitch in at home and am glad to see that he does it. She responded that in Korea, a mother-in-law would be upset if she saw her son doing housework. Typically, the mother-in-law and her son sit in the living room chatting while the wife does all the chores.

This conversation reminded me of my Indian student, who told me that she handled all the household tasks while her parents-in-law and husband never lifted a finger.

I explained to my student that traditionally, Asian countries are quite patriarchal, assigning women subservient roles within the family and society. Women are expected to take care of all domestic responsibilities, such as cooking, cleaning, and childcare.

However, women in modern China, due to the revolution, have shed many of the old traditions that discriminated against them. Mao's famous saying, 妇女能顶半边天 (fùnǚ néng dǐng bànbiāntiān), meaning "Women hold up half the sky," recognizes the importance and strength of women in society and empowers them to fight for equal rights. It emphasizes gender equality and the vital roles women play in all aspects of life, including work, family, and community.

Culturally, Chinese women have made tremendous progress in achieving equal rights. However, politically, I would say, baby, you've come a long way but still have a long way to go. So far, China has not seen a female state leader like Park Geun-hye, former president of South Korea, or Pratibha Patil, former president of India. 

Finally, reflecting on these conversations, it's clear that while cultural norms and expectations regarding gender roles vary widely across Asian countries, there is a shared history of patriarchy that continues impacting women today. 

The journey towards gender equality is ongoing, and as the famous saying goes, "Women hold up half the sky"—a testament to their enduring strength and indispensable contributions to society. Indeed, baby, you've come a long way, but there's still further to go.

A friend of mine, having lived in India and been outside the US for a long time, now lives in both the US and abroad. He was amazed by "how difficult it is to be in the US and maintain a global perspective."

He shows his understanding by saying, I don't blame those in the US for their narrow vision because the media is so provincial and inward-looking that "most people can't even begin to understand the unknown unknowns of what's out there and what they're missing."

Because of this, there's little chance of improvement if you are not aware of your own naivety and ignorance. Reading extensively won't help, because there's no substitute for traveling and soaking yourself in the world to fully grasp the vast and unexpected extent of one's ignorance.

I recall one of my young relatives, who was only 9 years old at the time, believing he was smarter than everyone else in every way, except for our knowledge of English. He couldn’t be blamed for this perspective because, at that age, he simply didn’t know what he didn’t know.

Ultimately, at some point, you must challenge all the assumptions you once accepted as truths and try to think differently from your old self. My friend said, "the more I delve into new markets, the more I realize the overwhelming extent of my own ignorance. I consider myself fortunate to at least be aware of this fact."

The takeaway message is that average Americans live in a state of being isolated or detached from outside influences or experiences because of the insularity of media, not much different from my young relatives. The key to breaking out of this isolation is traveling outside the U.S. and immersing oneself in different cultures. While being exposed to different realities, ideas, and perspectives, it's crucial to be open-minded and humble enough to admit your ignorance and naivety and be ready to be challenged. 

A Chinese saying fits here perfectly, 井底之蛙 (Jǐng dǐ zhī wā), meaning "a frog at the bottom of a well" who thinks the sky is as large as the top of the well. It refers to someone with a limited outlook or narrow perspective, unaware of the broader world outside their immediate experience. It captures the idea of being confined to a small view, much like the insular perspective described about people living in the U.S.

In a world that is increasingly interconnected, it is essential to understand the confines and limitations of media-built info wells.

Only by being courageous enough to expose ourselves to different ideas and perspectives and by stepping out of our frog well can we hopefully overcome the insularity of the mainstream media, start seeing our naivety and ignorance and explore the vast horizons beyond.