The Chinese Dream: Balancing the Nation and Individual

By Chen Xixi

Special Professor of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Abstract

Those who disagree on whether the Chinese Dream and the American Dream share common or opposite values do find consensus on one point: the American Dream is an individual dream and the Chinese Dream is a national concept. Also, Xinhua Agency has rendered two English translations for the phrase: China Dream and Chinese Dream. The above illustrates how the discussion about the philosophical meaning of the Chinese Dream hinges on nationalism versus individualism. The American Dream is not solely an individual dream but also an idea applying to an entire society which places emphasis on the meaning and value that individual effort contributes. The Chinese Dream also includes the dream of the people. The differences between the two dreams lies in varying focus resulting from contrasting histories, traditions, national missions in modern history, ideology and current needs.

         If the Chinese Dream neglects the individual dream, it would fail to highlight the principal position of the people. If we say “an individual dream cannot be realized without the nation and the nation’s dream depends on individual effort,” we still position individual dreams as a “tool” driving the national dream. So, the value of each individual dream and its contribution to the national dream should be based on two ideologies, namely, Marxist Humanism in the form of the communist ideals and promise made by President Xi Jinping to the people after the 18th National Congress of the CPC, and two social changes: The market economy broke the old single-interest pattern; economic globalization, global multi-polarization, cultural diversity, societal informatization, political democratization have become irresistible trends.

To promote the ”individual dream” is to ably handle the relationship between needs and wants of individuals and the needs of the country as well as making the country appealing to individuals. The nation should provide a level playing field with fair rights, fair opportunities and fair rules, encourage each person to develop according to his or her vocational ambitions and values and grant each individual a chance to stand out.