Anne Zhang

    zhangy49@gmail.com

    SCHOLARS from four countries shared their thoughts and insights on foundational concepts of Shenzhen, detailed in a new book, during a symposium yesterday.

    The original, Chinese-language version of “Top Ten Concepts of Shenzhen” was published in May 2011 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone. The book’s English-language edition, translated by Shenzhen Daily staff, recently had its first printing and introduces foreigners to the essence of the Shenzhen spirit.

    Carol Quinn, a scholar and sociologist from Norway, said she’s most impressed by the concept of “Dare to become the world’s first,” because she thinks it is the foundation of the other concepts described in the book.

    She said the concept challenges China’s traditional culture of collectivism, which had always discouraged individual endeavor.

    “Without this spirit of boldness, I am not sure that any of the other concepts would have been able to see the light of day,” Quinn said.

    Sangeeta Ghose, an Indian scholar, poet and columnist, was impressed by a concept that advocates the spirit of volunteering — “the fragrance of the rose lingers on the hand that gives.”

    Ghose said mature adults feel social responsibility only when they feel embraced and accepted in return.

    “Shenzhen has given that feeling to many people,” she said.

    Ghose has lived in and visited many international metropolitan cities, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Shanghai, Amsterdam, New York and Berlin. She said Shenzhen is unique among those cities because it embraces and is tolerant of all migrants and outsiders.

    “There is such an acceptable mix of languages, dialects and food habits in Shenzhen. It gives everybody freedom to choose any profession and live life in their own way,” she said.

    Christiaan Hattingh, a historian from South Africa, gave a humorous speech during the symposium in which he expressed his appreciation of the city’s respect for reading and its spirit of volunteering.

    American scholar Chris Thomas touted Shenzhen — home to China’s first Special Economic Zone — as a successful model of the Charter Cities advocated by famous American scholar Paul Romer.

    American Mary Ann O’Donnell said she thought critically while reading the book. O’Donnell is a scholar, poet and translator. She has been living in Shenzhen for many years and is proficient in Chinese.

    She said an understanding of historical changes is crucial to understanding these concepts of Shenzhen. For example, she said, the concept of “Time is money, efficiency is life,” can be a derogatory concept in the United States.

    The idea was a challenge to existing values in China in the period following the end of the “Cultural Revolution,” O’Donnell said, adding that the idea has had some derogatory connotations in today’s China, though, because it could relate to the exploitation of workers.

    The top 10 concepts of Shenzhen are: Time is money, efficiency is life; Empty talk endangers the nation, practical work brings prosperity; Dare to become the world’s first; Reform and innovation are the root and soul of Shenzhen; Let Shenzhen be respected for its enthusiasm for reading; Innovation encouraged and failure tolerated; Fulfilling the cultural rights of citizens; The fragrance of the rose lingers on the hand that gives; Shenzhen embraces the world; and You’re a Shenzhener once you come here.

    The symposium was organized by the Information Office of the Shenzhen Municipal Government, Shenzhen Daily and Shenzhen Press Group Publishing House.