Hi Jay,
<<< I am quite familiar with what is happening in China as regards to education, competition and skill acquisition. I am aware of what is happening in India, and by China proxy, can imagine what could be taking place in India.>>>
I agree with you in that China and India have turned the corner and short of some very unlikely major disaster, their economies are going to expand tremendously. This will be a tectonic event. Nothing will stop it. The lives of billions of people will be enriched - economically and spiritually.
However, do not underestimate Western Civilization. You, yourself, are a product of Western Civilization. The Muslim world, it is sad to say, are led by people, although many educated in the West, do not really understand the power of Western Civilization. I am not referring to military prowess.
The Chinese, themselves, thinking they are being very modest, project that it will take 100 years for them to fully catch up with the West.
In my opinion, I think it will take much longer, if ever.
First of all, geographically, just like if you were to play squash, the idea is to occupy the center of the court. The United States, heir to Western Civilization, is a continental power sitting between Europe and Asia.
Second, the Chinese have a tremendous disadvantage in communications because of the structure of their language. The Chinese language is not suited for modern times. The Chinese language will never (at least for several hundred years) be able to compete. Science, technology, commerce and everything else, intellectually, will be communicated first in a Western language.By that I mean, fully accepted.
Finally, in education, I am sure that China (India as well) can turn out millions of computer programmers (some of them will be very good ), but, how long will it be before China can produce a Jay Chen from their own educational system?
Rgrds,
Mary |
