Chapter 39 postscript

Once a book is published, it takes on a life of its own, whether readers praise or criticize it is beyond the control of the author, but I also think that my desire to write this book, that is, to use Chinese discourse to discuss China and the world, will only With the rise of China, it has become more and more vital, because it more or less reflects a general trend: Western discourse has been unable to explain today's China, nor can it cope with the severe challenges of various global issues.The world dominated by the West is full of contradictions and crises. The wisdom of the West is no longer sufficient, and the world needs Chinese wisdom.

It is also an attempt for me to discuss the core issues related to the rise of China with relatively casual words and straightforward narrative style, because I always think that the research and discussion of such issues should go beyond the ivory tower, beyond the rigid preaching, beyond the biased Western discourse has become something that ordinary people can understand and participate in. After all, these issues involve the direction of China's future development, and ultimately affect the lives and interests of every Chinese. Some chapters of the first draft of this book were published in "Study Times" and "Global Times" successively, which aroused certain repercussions and encouraged me. The "Global Times" website also set up a column for me, so that my articles can meet more readers.I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincerest thanks to editor-in-chief Zhou Weimin and editor Lan Wenfei of "Study Times" and editor Wang Wen of "Global Times".At the same time, I also sincerely thank all the readers who care about me, and hope to continue to receive your help and advice.

During the writing period, I had the opportunity to give speeches at Fudan University, Tsinghua University, Beijing Normal University, Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, Pudong Cadre Academy, etc., which further refined some of my viewpoints in the book.During the process of writing the book, I received enthusiastic encouragement and help from many scholars and friends, especially Li Junru, Jiang Yihua, Xiao Gongqin, Liu Ji, Xiao Sijian, Shen Dingli, Chen Zhimin, Yin Cunyi, Huang Renwei, Zhou Jianming, Xu Shiquan, Li Jiaquan, Wang Qun, Qi Shushen, Shen Dawei, Lu Xiaochao, Lin Lingshan, An Jianguo, Zhao Junxiang, etc., I would like to express my sincere thanks to them.

I would also like to thank my 90-year-old father, Zhang Zijia, who has always been the first reader of my texts. Many of his comments with a sense of historical vicissitudes always inspire me.I would like to especially thank my wife Huihui and son Yizhou.Without their understanding, care and support, this book would not have been possible.There are many people to thank, especially those friends from all over the world who I talked with in the book and who helped me understand the world better.Finally, I still miss Deng Xiaoping. In May 1988, the president of a developing country came to Beijing and asked Deng Xiaoping to talk about the main experience of China’s reform and opening up. Deng Xiaoping replied:

"Emancipate your mind, think independently, and formulate policies based on your own reality." He also added: "This is not only true of economic issues, but also of political issues." The president then asked Deng Xiaoping how to deal with the West. Deng's answer was four One word: "Seek advantages and avoid disadvantages." At the time of the completion of this book, on the occasion of commemorating the 30th anniversary of reform and opening up, I would like to share Deng Gong's motto with readers and with the people of the country.