Patriotism cannot be trapped behind borders

• Source: Global Times
• [01:40 January 11 2010]
• Comments

About a century ago, when Edward Hick Hume founded the Yale Hospital and later presided over the Colleges of Yale-in-China in Changsha, Hunan Province, he would not have expected a 2002 MBA alumnus from China to pledge $8,888,888 to Yale University.

The traditional Chinese spirit of Ya Li (elegance of expression and propriety of conduct), as spelled out in the name Hume gave to the hospital and college, is reflected in what the Chinese alumnus Zhang Lei has done to the university.

As Zhang pointed out, Yale changed his life, and he attributed his donation to "the spirit of giving" he had learned in Yale. "Yale has been helping China for more than 100 years. Many Chinese leaders were educated at Yale. But the relationship has been one-way for too long and I want to help change that," was how he put it.

In that sense, the century-long cycle of giving and taking underscores a universal value that is cherished in both Chinese and Western cultures, and goes beyond the boundaries of campus and nation.

Zhang is ironically depicted as a "traitor" who betrayed China by donating such a large sum of money to a foreign university instead of giving it to one in his own country. He is under so much fire that even a "human flesh hunt" has been launched for him by some angry Chinese netizens.

The public anger in reaction to Zhang’s decision is understandable, though.

To many, nationalism and cosmopolitanism are locked in a zero-sum game: Any gain for one must imply a loss for the other.

But this issue is not about the duality of nationalism and cosmopolitanism. This donation is in the highest Chinese tradition, in the noblest traditions of giving back to the fount from which one had drawn so much. By giving, he is sharing his resources and enabling others to benefit as he did.

As seen more recently, in the aftermath of the May 12 Earthquake in Sichuan Province, the Chinese are now better able to appreciate the role played by cosmopolitanism in nurturing patriotism.

A broad-minded, patriotic nation must be one that embraces universal values. In a globalized world, the emphasis is on interdependence, and it is a thin line between "yours" and "mine."

The donation made by Zhang Lei is a lesson in sharing and caring for all Chinese. Only when more Zhang Leis are recognized for their generosity, sincerity, thankfulness and good deeds can China as a nation truly rise on the world stage.