What I've been Reading

Country Driving - A Journey Through China from Farm to Factory by Peter Hessler. One gets a feeling of reading fiction since this book is devoid of any quintessential western biases, preachy democracy et al. It's fantastic journey into the heart and mind of common Chinese citizens - as it is.

Jumpa Lahiri wrote in The Namesake - "That's the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet." I am pretty confident that I wouldn't travel to China (at-least anytime soon), so Hessler words will probably be my maiden and the only voyage into China. I couldn't help myself comparing China with the other two countries which are it's competitors (and adversaries). 

• There are immense similarities between in India and China but yet there is something very different about the basic outlook of life. Obviously, its because of the immense difference democracy brings. 
• I don't see any similarities between China and US of A. This is going to be a very big deal this century. We shouldn't underestimate this; good luck to all of us.  
• What happens to China after the manufacturing spree ends? May be, this is biggest ever bubble (albeit tangible) world has ever seen..., what happens if and when the bubble bursts? I don't want to know. 
• Given the pace their economic growth, there is (nor will be) no anytime for honing morality leave alone intellectual life. At the current pace the next superpower is probably will be full of automatons perpetually running that hedonic treadmill. Let's not sugar coat ourselves hoping for the best. Our best bet are the brightest, humble minds outside China, helping to change China slowly and steady towards well.. that D word again. Yeah, I am a pessimistic on this front. Hope, I am wrong.

Here is in excerpt from book, sample questions from Chinese drivers license exam (seems worse than India):


     "223. If you come to a road that has been flooded, you should

a) accelerate, so the motor doesn’t flood.
b) stop, examine the water to make sure it’s shallow, and drive across slowly.
c) find a pedestrian and make him cross ahead of you.

282. When approaching a railroad crossing, you should

a) accelerate and cross.
b) accelerate only if you see a train approaching.
c) slow down and make sure it’s safe before crossing.


352. If another motorist stops you to ask directions, you should
a) not tell him.
b) reply patiently and accurately.
c) tell him the wrong way."