Guan Zhong (719-645 B.C.), one of the most celebrated philosophers in Chinese history, once said: "One can learn about a state by observing its leader, learn about an army by watching its commander and learn about supplies by examining the environment." How and what a head of state presents in public speeches and the way he (she) conducts himself (herself) in public eye can influence the way people think and behave unknowingly. That in turn can sway social development. That is why the conduct of state leaders tends to show how state affairs will fare.

A commentary published in the Wall Street Journal in May 2014 noted that President Xi Jinping likes to quote great ancient thinkers and statesmen in his public speeches. The author also compared Xi with the late British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who famously used popular classical quotes to evoke patriotism and confidence of the nation amidst utter crisis during World War II.

President Xi has quoted in public speeches and writings many brilliant Chinese minds in history over the years. Regarding the philosophy of state administration, the classical statements he quoted include "The people are the foundation of the state"; "the government depends on popular support"; "combine the rule of law with social conventions and apply benevolence ahead of punishment"; "in governance nothing is more important than competent staff"; "to rule a nation well one must keep the officials in check"; "benevolent governance requires upright leaders"; "crisis awareness sustains peace and reforms enhance governance." Some of these remarks represent experience of successful government while others teach us lessons of failed regime.

In terms of individual character building he has quoted Confucius' caution: "Mind your conduct very carefully no matter how trivial a matter seems and even when nobody is watching." He also quoted Yuan Dynasty bureaucrat and poet Yuan Haowen's sharp observation: "For government officials irresponsibility tops all career mistakes." These ancient words of wisdom remind today's officials of the expectations they must live up to and how well Xi understands the benefits one can gain from following them. They not only highlight Xi's achievements in learning and independent thinking, but also make his speeches and writings more convincing and enlightening.

It is fair to say that the growing popularity of ancient Chinese culture and the importance attached to it by state leaders these days are closely linked to the philosophy of governance. Li Shimin (AD 598-648), second emperor of the Tang Dynasty, was quoted in an ancient chronicle as saying: "One can see if his attire and headgear are in proper place by looking into a copper mirror; avoid mistakes by learning from others' experiences, and find out what makes an empire rise or fall by examining its history." Xi included that famous comment in his speech at a commemorative conference marking the 2,565th anniversary of Confucius (551-479 B.C.). The quote can be seen as a sign that the central government will draw inspiration and wisdom from the nation's traditional excellence and cultural legacy when formulating governing strategies.

As a political leader with the whole world in mind, Xi Jinping aspires to rejuvenate the Chinese nation and, to do so, has added confidence in our own culture after espousing confidence in the theories, development path and system. In his speech at a group discussion with the Guizhou provincial delegation to the 12th annual session of the National People's Congress on March 7, 2014, he said that China's as well as the world's history shows state power must be based on a nation's own advanced culture and the rejuvenation of a nation must begin with the rejuvenation of its culture. In Chinese history there is abundant evidence on how the Chinese culture spread to the rest of the world during the reign of successful dynasties, such as Han and Tang.

Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat past mistakes; those who cling to the past have no future. The rich legacy of Chinese culture is a treasure trove for posterity, particularly in terms of individual character building with traditional wisdom, such as found in Confucian, Buddhist and Taoist teachings. Today's generations can also benefit from ancient wisdom in nurturing social harmony and maintaining a clean, efficient government as well as developing our culture on the foundation laid by our ancestors.

(HK Edition 04/17/2015 page9)