I shared a post about a group of classmates from Tianjin who dedicated their lives to China’s foreign affairs. One reader commented, “They’re just mouthpieces of the government.”
These words linger in my mind. It’s actually an honor for them. Not everyone can serve that function, and in a way, aren’t we all mouthpieces of something—believers of some sort? We rarely have completely original thoughts or create anything entirely new. Most of us echo the ideas of others or of the country or of their social group, and we are all subject to various limitations. Absolute freedom is an illusion we like to entertain.
Each individual’s path is shaped by personal aspirations, values, allegiances, and sometimes circumstances beyond their control. As the saying goes, “人各有志” (Rén gè yǒu zhì)—everyone has their own ambitions. The key is not only to respect others’ choices but also their loyalty and dedication to something larger than themselves. Ultimately, we are all driven by something that extends beyond personal interests.
It’s more meaningful and sensible to align ourselves with a cause greater than our own desires. In doing so, we may discover a deeper sense of fulfillment and satisfaction by the time we reach retirement.
This larger-than-life perspective reminds me of William Manchester’s The Glory and the Dream: A Narrative History of America, which presents two intertwined themes: glory and the dream.
The glory celebrates the achievements and aspirations of a nation, highlighting technological advancements, wars and social reforms. Similar glory can be attributed to those who dedicate their lives to the cause of China's foreign affairs.
The dream, epitomized in Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I have a dream" speech, underscores the challenges and disillusionments many face in pursuit of their ideals, such as inequality, racism, and economic hardship. This "dream" embodies both hope and the harsh realities that often accompany it.
By recognizing these dualities, we can better appreciate our roles within the larger story of our societies—where personal dreams meet collective glory.