Joining The Modern World: Inside And Outside China

For the past century, all kinds of Chinese people have tried to be 'modern'. The standards of modernity have been set elsewhere and seem to be higher than what has been achieved. Most Chinese work harder, but some may wonder if standards rise so that China will always get a poor report card at the end of each year. The drama of Chinese people seeking to be modern has occurred in different parts of the world, with interesting differences depending on where they live. The general trend is clear: the pursuit of betterment is supported by adaptability and change, reflected in how the Chinese seize new opportunities. These essays describe some of these efforts inside and outside China, forming a mosaic of Chinese practicing the art of modernizing.