Culture at the heart of confidence

National culture not only defines a country, but also distinguishes it from others. Compared with other types of confidence, such cultural confidence is deeper, broader and more fundamental, and gives rise to endurance and strength. Having confidence in socialism with Chinese characteristics — in its path, theory and institution — is ultimately about having confidence in our culture. Belief in our cultural aspirations and values, and in our culture's vitality and creativity is the solid foundation on which we find the courage and persistence to carry on, to strive and to innovate. 

For any country and people, having confidence in their culture determines their future and survival. Throughout world history, the fate of nations has been inextricably linked to culture. The Chinese nation has endured countless hardships throughout the millennia, yet it has survived and evolved partly because of the strength and continuity of its culture. It is what gives millions of people of Chinese descent living overseas a shared sense of identity. Another example is the Jewish culture, which has bound together the Diaspora throughout the centuries, giving a common sense of identity and resulting in the founding of Israel. The "worlds" of the three major civilizations today, namely Confucianism, Christianity and Islam, have all evolved over centuries of cultural transmission, interaction and blending. 

Conversely, a nation that turns its back on its history or culture can neither grow nor thrive; it has neither hope nor future. In human history there are many such tragic examples that serve as cautionary tales. Egypt, one of the four civilizations of the ancient world, was once a mighty civilization. However, military conquests and cultural invasions by the Romans and later the Arabs, gradually eroded its culture, so that all that is left today are the pyramids in the desert, stark reminders of bygone glories. 

The study of history leads to an understanding of a nation's successes and failures. The history of human civilization tells us that only with a sense of cultural confidence can a nation survive, develop and become prosperous. General Secretary Xi Jinping understands very well the importance and power of such confidence. He declared that confidence in Chinese culture is vital for developing and following socialism with Chinese characteristics, and that it is the driving force that inspires our people to move forward. His statements indicate that the CPC has given much thought to the matter, and itself has a high level of cultural awareness that typifies our overall strong sense of cultural identity and pride in our civilization. 

The views don't necessarily reflect those of Qiushi Journal.