I’ve read an article about the Chinese dream in an American’s eyes. He is a teacher of a Chinese school, so he has a lot of chance to discuss with his Chinese students and talk about their dream. In his article, he mentioned that “The notion of an American Dream says all people have the right to the “pursuit of happiness.” While today it is usually used in reference to a feeling of contentment. Prior to the modern era, people spoke of happiness more as a state of being. It was more meaningful.” He also analyzes the Chinese dream in his article. He asked his students to compare the American Dream with the “Chinese Dream” for homework.
We want a big red house with garden full of flowers
I have discussed with Greg about the American dream, he said the American dream is to have “2 kids, a big house, a stable job, and a dog”. However, now, it may be different. What is Greg’s dream? He told me his dream is:
1) to help a lot of people, up to millions maybe, to live healthier, happier lives in a way that helps the world be sustainable;
2) to have fun (travel, spend time with friends, play sports);
3) to find love and have a loving family
Having fun with playing toy bricks, Irene's dreamed life.
Then what is my dream? What is the Chinese dream? Our Chinese tend to be satisfied with what we have had: a full belly, warm home, good kids, and good health. But now our young people pay more attention to a high level life. The young generation is more like Americans, such as me. I have a big house, two lovely kids, a happy family. What’s more? I also want a better living. Say having more money to give a nice education for my kids, having time and deposit to travel and have fun.
I think the dream is different according to different people and different situation of the client. If he is worrying about his daily life to have food and a place to sleep, then he may just want a stable job that he can earn money to feed himself and his family. And he can save some money little by little to improve their living environment and life. When he has enough ability and money, he will want big house, fancy cars and all his family live an honorable and rich life, and more and more. We have proverbs that things will change accordingly when time flies.
So what’s the difference between the American dream and the Chinese dream? I think it is more likely a human dream comparatively. Everyone first wants to have a full belly, a warm home and a happy family. Of course some other people pursue love and happiness. However, what is happiness? It is only a kind of feeling. Like I mentioned earlier, different people have different feeling. When you have one coin, you must be eager for another.
All in all, I hope everyone can find his own happiness and realize his dream. No matter his is young or old, kind or evil, black or white, Chinese or Americans. Of course for their dream not concern about evils.