Worshipping money, China won't gain trust

• Source: Global Times
• [02:06 February 26 2010]
• Comments

Many of us can vividly remember the middle-school political textbook that taught us capitalism bred the worship of money, from which originated many corroded ideals, and therefore, such thinking was to be avoided.

But now the worship of money is strongly espoused in China. A recent Reuters-Ipsos poll found that China has the highest percentage of citizens (69 percent, together with South Korea) who agree "money is the best sign of a person's success."

The result in the UK and the US is nearly opposite, with only 33 percent of respondents in agreement.

China also has the highest percentage of people (84 percent, the same as South Korea and Japan) who say that, "Money is more important to me nowadays than previously."

The worship of money in East Asian countries can find its roots in culture and history. Long under the influence of Buddhism, the most secular among the dominant religions, local culture lacks power in restraining the desire for money.

The drive for personal gain can partially explain China's fast economic growth in the past three decades, unparalleled in any other place in the world. When people were given the freedom to make money after the long period of a rigid planned economy, enormous vitality was released. As a result, China, once in the financial abyss, is now among the top three largest economies in the world.

But money is now thought of as having the utmost weight and power. Have a problem? Fix it with cash. From individual trouble to social problems, it is widely held that money can help find a way out.

A loss of moral standards, a result of worshipping money, has been whined about in China and is blamed for social illnesses ranging from corruption to shoddy product quality.

Netizens, who are often sensitive to criticism by foreign countries of China, echoed the Reuters-Ipsos poll result. In a follow-up survey conducted by the Global Times, over 80 percent concurred that China is the top money-worshipping country.

An adoration of money reflects the sad fact that the rule of law hasn't been realized in China. Without money, nothing is possible.

When such a mindset permeates society, it impacts the image China projects onto the world. It is hard for a country, with many putting money above everything else and willing to sacrifice principle for personal gain, to truly win the hearts and minds of a global audience.

Over-emphasis on economic interests in international engagement also generates distrust, if not resentment.

Backed by more money, China fears the world much less than before, yet it seems the world is much more worried about China.

Money may bring power, but not necessarily persuasiveness. Without integrity, money can lead to catastrophe.

We need to rethink the role money plays in our lives.

The government, meanwhile, needs to think about re-instilling a sense of moral values in society.