Open a window

Zhu Rong Ji, ex-Chinese Premier*, said "When you open a window, fresh wind blows in. But dust and flies will also come in." He was referring to the idea of China opening up to the West about 20 years ago, and allowing more of an exchange of business, culture and ideas.

A student told me this quote this morning as part of a lesson where we were discussing the effect of the West's influence on the health of the Chinese people. I'm afraid there were quite a lot of flies!! Mostly in the shape of hamburgers, pizzas and alcohol.

Apparently Zhu Rong Ji added that putting a net over the window can keep out the dust and flies. This is where the romance of the window analogy breaks down for me, but it still has an important meaning. He was saying that if we keep our own minds, we can hold on to traditional culture whilst remaining open to new and positive ideas. You'd have to ask a Chinese person what those new and old ideas are and I suspect you'd get many different and varied answers.

I like this quote because I think it is not only true but applies to many situations. When you try something new or open your mind to new things, there will be both positive and negative things that come along for the ride.

So go and open a window and let some fresh air in... but keep the fly-swat handy!

*Zhu Rong Ji was Premier from 1998-2003, and was succeeded by the current premier, Wen Jiabao.