Orville Schell

[Anonymous]

After hearing Orville Schell's talk on his new book "Wealth and Power: China's Long March to the 21st Century", one question lingers in my mind; what to create after destruction? Will a society emphasizes on Legalism be enough to satisfy a society after Confucianism? One image was mentioned during the talk, if one keep peeling an onion what will be the result? The core of onion is nothing. Does China need a new set of values? Some return to Confucianism, some accept traditional religions, some simply become materialistic, what values are being established?

[Anonymous]

The most interesting topic of concern that Orville Schell brought up was the regulation of food. Without enough food, nothing else matters. I find it ironic a communist country like China does not regulate the food supply.

[Anonymous]

The discussion was very interesting and a great review for me personally. When I first arrived on Monday, my knowledge and understanding of East Asia was extremely lacking. However, during the book talk yesterday, I felt I had a much better understanding of the issues. I look forward to continuing my education in the history and keeping a closer eye in the media on China's progress.

I am very interested in the November discussion that Professor Dube mentioned during the talks. It would be an interesting field trip for my students to observe. Even incorporating some debate and discussions similar with my students about China and its direction would help them with language skills but also have them think critically.

[Anonymous]

I watch these sorts of talks on CSPAN for fun - just so you have some context... I especially liked the idea of Mandate of Heaven, followed by Period of Humiliation then the notion of creative destruction. What I found interesting about this was the idea that even after creative destruction, you have a period or a generation who cannot change the narrative psychologically even if the nation seeks to change the narrative (victimhood). I was also interested in the discussion about the interpretation of the idea of wealth and power really being about prosperity and strength. I concur with Chris and loved his comments on food regulation ( and his jab at those calling for less government rather than more effective government). I also agree with Lyla that I felt much more knowledgeable about the region thanks to this week - I know I have a long way to go to actually be knowledgeable, but I'm closer.

[Anonymous]

I was very enjoyable to hear everything Orville Schell had to say about China. Since Monday's class, hearing Orville speak on all the various aspects about China had a significant impact on my understanding of the country than ever before. All the things I've learned about China in the seminar helped me to grasp the enormity of this complex and complicated country.

[Anonymous]

I really enjoyed the discussion with Orville Schell. One question that have after hearing the discussion has to do with the pollution that China is facing now.

1. How much is pollution impacting the food supply.

2. What are the political consequences for China if the food supply in China continues to be compromised.

[Anonymous]

One standard in U.S. History is about the Industrial Revolution and the introduction of laws such as the Meat Inspection Act and Truth in Labeling law. Uptown Sinclair's The Jungle is also listed in the standards as it is a novel that depicts many aspects of the Industrial Age in the U.S. The novel was written to highlight the struggles of immigrants at the time however it became famous for exposing the meat packing industry and their disgusting tactics and practices. The people read about the rats, poison and feces that were mixed together and sold as ground beef among many other disturbing findings. The people were outraged after reading this and demand the government step in and protect our food supply.

Listening to Overil's lecture it was interesting to hear about how China is going through similar food supply regulatory or lack of problems that we did over a hundred years before. When teaching this standard I often read from the book the Jungle and talk about USDA and FDA, but now it will be interesting to discuss what China is going through today in comparison to where we were during theIndustrial Revolution as well as where we are today.

[Anonymous]

@rwann - I also found this idea fascinating. I think that your example of Napoleon is a good one. But I also think that you can look at the Soviet Union and Stalin's 5 year plans (perhaps this was the inspiration for Mao?). Although these plans were devastating, especially on the population, many historian say that they were successful in modernizing the Soviet Union.

[Anonymous]

@sho .... these were exactly my thoughts as I listened to Orville Schell's talk about China and this idea of a void as old values diminish. Their break from past traditions might appear to be a temporary move forward, but without a strong philosophy that can replace Confucianism as a model for behavioral norms in society, will this mean another era of disorder in China; particularly with regards to the younger generation who are experiencing a new period of transformation very different from the past ? Orville's weaving of the past with the present issues in China was outstanding and of course made more interesting by the insightful questions asked by Clay. I also liked his commentary on the inevitable need for regulatory measures to curtail and monitor environmental pollution and contamination as a result of mass production. Viewing this as a global responsibility will become crucial.

[Anonymous]

I thoroughly enjoyed sitting in the back of the auditorium and taking in the complete Schell experience. For a high school teacher to have the opportunity to get in the mix of some serious intellectual discussion was extremely stimulating and empowering .The professional growth that comes out of these types of experiences are priceless. I was able to completely connect with the topics of discussion thanks partly to the knowledge gained from the seminar.

[Anonymous]

I found the discussion very informative. I also find it strange that a country that regulates so many things has little regulations on food. At least they are improving. Shame on the US companies to sell meat to China that would not pass US regulations, that is just terrible.

[Anonymous]

I will admit that attending the Orville Schell discussion was "out of my league". If it was something I came across on television, I would have skipped quickly to the Bravo network for my dose of Real Housewives. With that being said I found myself actually understanding the conversations on stage due to the fact of all the front-loading of information that I had received in the seminar prior to the book discussion. Thank you Clay!
I think the one thing that stuck with me the most was when Schell compared the Japanese mindset to those who lived during the Great Depression. It really made a “click” for me.

[Anonymous]

The Orville Schell discussion was a great review and confidence booster personally. I was able to follow the discussion and understood most of the references to Chinese history. It was the perfect way for me to see the growth in knowledge that I had acquired during the week. In terms of my students, I would love for my students to attend or watch a discussion like this for class. Most of my students are seniors and are preparing for college. I think this would be a great activity for them to engage in.

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

I found the questions and Schell's comments regarding China's rise could not happen without Mao. First, only having a cursory knowledge of the cultural revolution but understanding how traumatic it was, I see how this makes sense. As I thought about it more this evening, I came to an understanding that this is not really a new thing. I think China's cultural destruction came a little more slowly than others. I think parallels can be drawn with the French Revolution. Before Napoleon and even during Napoleon there was a move to completely destroy the French culture, even changing its calendar. Then, when the dust settled, they had a resurgence of the former culture but in a neo-ish sense. I think similarities can be drawn with China today.
It's not a perfect example and I would like to know if anyone else can think of some other examples where a society revolts, destroys, and recreates.

[Author]

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