“The wicked have only accomplices, the voluptuous have only companions in debauchery; self-seekers have only associates; politicians have only their factions; the generality of idle men has only connections; princes have only courtiers; virtuous men alone possess friends.” ~ Voltaire, The Philosophical Dictionary,
https://history.hanover.edu/texts/voltaire/volfrien.html , last visited May 26, 2025.
Voltaire certainly makes several good distinctions above, and he makes friendship sound so virtuous, how could I reasonably disagree with the likes of Voltaire? One of the nicer features of Philosophy, however, is its insistence that even the best philosophers –or philosophes, if you prefer that label for Voltaire – can and do make mistakes. Voltaire himself rightly poked fun at the great philosopher Leibniz by using the character Dr. Pangloss, who glossed over all the world’s ills with the motto and implication of his philosophy of religion that we live in the best of all possible worlds. After all, in traditional Western thought of Leibniz’s day and beyond, God is the perfect father who created the world and God is omniscient, omnipotent, and morally perfect – a loving God. Millions proclaim: “Jesus, he’s my friend” and “You’ve got a friend in Jesus.”
What could possibly go wrong with this sunny picture? First up is Butch Hancock, who said: “I learned two things in Lubbock, Texas. First, that God loves us. And second, that we’re all going to burn in hell forever.” Millions or even billions fear God and even point to their fear as a source of pride: “I’m a God-fearing Christian.” I ask: “Is it consistent to fear the perfect man?” Why wouldn’t you trust the perfect man, who is your friend, to be at least fair and in all likelihood merciful and forgiving. Allowing or even causing the teeming billions of the Lord’s creations and friends to burn in hell forever surely seems strictly out of bounds.
This is a version of the so-called problem of evil. Theodicy is the field devoted to explaining away the problem of evil. One way is to say we are just in a test and those who pass the test get to go to heaven instead of roasting forever in hell. Why an omniscient being like God needs a test to get results is left unexplained? Some suggest free will is involved, specifically, that God loves us so much that he gave us a fair opportunity to earn a ticket to hell, and without warning us in the clearest of terms possible for an omnipotent being that such a fate awaits many or even almost all of us.
But let’s bring things back to earth. Next up in our list of witnesses is Jennifer Willoughby. She describes her experience, which I find eminently believable. Believe the women, some urge. So, let us at least try to do so. Here’s her story in a moving nutshell, the nub of her gist.
“[H]e could be kind and sensitive. And so I stayed. He cried and apologized. And so I stayed. He offered to get help and even went to a few counseling sessions and therapy groups. And so I stayed. He belittled my intelligence and destroyed my confidence. And so I stayed. I felt ashamed and trapped. And so I stayed. Friends and clergy didn’t believe me. And so I stayed. I was pregnant. And so I stayed. I lost the pregnancy and became depressed. And so I stayed.” ~ Jennifer Willoughby, speaking of her allegedly abusive husband Rob Porter (Republican, Mormon, Harvard University, B.A., J.D., New College, Oxford: Oxford University, M.Phil.), appearance on The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell, MSNBC, February 8, 2018.
Friendships often end badly or become exploitative. To exploit someone is to take unfair advantage of their predicament, to give a rough and ready, short and snappy, down and dirty first approximation of a definition of exploitation. Consult your experience and ask yourself, seriously ask yourself as Philosophy demands, if Willoughby’s experience resonates with you as believable, and if her experience has parallels or analogies with some friendships you have experienced. Talk amongst yourselves while I move on, since I’m scarcely done.
One might object to my damn, fool questions and examples by insisting that friendship involves loyalty and what could possibly be wrong with that, especially in the world we live in now chock full of porn websites and dating websites urging us to explore alternatives rather than loyally hang around with the person who happens to be your romantic friend at the moment. As Stephen Stills sang, “If you can’t be with the one you love, love the one your with.” And websites make push-button easy to get together. It’s just lunch? But is the service arranging lunch with someone of your designated range of ages, interests, locations, etc. really just lunch or is it a portal to another friendship or at least to an experiment in friendship or trying to make friends.
Dale Carnegie earned some wealth showing us in a book how to win friends and influence people. Well, surely any prize you win in the great capitalist countries of the world at least must be worthwhile. So, friendship must be worthwhile, especially since it involves a good measure of loyalty.
But the above is a procedural argument. We’re following capitalist procedures to win friends and spawn loyalty. We are allowed, however, to look at results rather than just have tunnel vision about procedure. We need simply ask a few pointed questions about loyalty to see that loyalty is not all it is cracked up to be. Millions were loyal to Hitler. Hundreds or even thousands were and are loyal to the worst gangsters. Hundreds of millions are loyal to questionable, to say the least, politicians such as LBJ, Nixon, or Trump. Is such loyalty and friendship really so good that it is beyond serious question? Very well, what about the loyalty and friendships in religious cults? Consider Jim Jones’ Jonestown, David Koresh’s Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas (have you noticed that we keep coming back to Texas?), Marshall Applewhite’s Heaven’s Gate cult in the suburbs of San Diego. OK, we keep coming back to California, too. The problem of overestimating the value of friendship, as if it is scarcely a double-edged sword, is bi-coastal, and bipartisan, since it is found in red and blue states alike.
And then there step forward the enablers. Many friends, out of friendship or even love, enable their closest friends or relatives to stay addicted to dangerous substances, all too often leading to death. Suicide among the young is at an all-time high in America. Guns are the leading cause of death among children. Relying on mere friendship to get us out of this mess is, as a piece of friendly advice from me to you, naïvely and overly optimistic in a way that brings us right back to the critical thinking of Voltaire’s Candide. Discuss all this with your friends.
We missed a number of recent FF events; did not get the opportunity to catch up with you. After the new year, Cyndi will plan to serve you lunch at your home again. We always enjoy intimate conversations with you.
Our travel highlight of the year was the week-long reunion with many of our HP colleagues in the South of France. Coming from all over the world, 23 colleagues along with their spouses (39 in total) re-connected our friendship during the first week of June. We shopped at the local farmer’s market; we learned from local cheese makers; we hiked to ancient castles; we toured the Valrhona chocolate museum; we cooked for each other; we toasted with fine French wine and robust German beer; we marveled at endless lavender fields in bloom; we chatted well past the morning wee hours each evening. Even though we have not seen each other for 15-20 years, we embraced each other (and their spouses) as if we were family and friends forever.
Wish you and your family a joyous holiday season, and a new start to a new year.
My dear friend, Winny Lin, fellow board member at USCPFA-South Bay Chapter, made an impressive presentation at the 50th Anniversary US-China People’s Friendship Association’s Washington DC Seminar this October, 2024.
She first pointed out the unfavorable opinion the Americans have towards China today, but she felt that Better Understanding and Relationship can still be achieved and encouraged via Education and she is presently using Outschool an online education platform to conduct her class. Her first online was called ‘Introduction to China”. She has designed two special Mandarin Chinese classes – one for 5-10 years olds an another for 11-16 years olds. She loves to teach language through culture and create lots of fun and interactive lessons. Many of her students are from the United States, but some from Russia, Wales, Israel, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Indonesia, Germany, Canada, and New Zealand. So far , after 3+ years, she has taught 1,482 learners, and many students and parents have “liked” her classes.
She said,” When we start class, they stand up, bow to the teacher, and then sit down just like the students in China do. They follow directions and do homework. The older ones, in the 11-16 year-old sections even do research after class. The more I expect them to do, the happier they are. People have asked me why so many students wanted to take Mandarin Chinese. From my observation, and a survey of my students in class. the reasons are: It seems cool and trendy to know some Chinese or just another language. Many students have watched some TV shows (Over the Moon), movies (like Mulan and Kung Fu Panda), and became interested in China.
“The materials I have covered are:
Four major Chinese holidays (Chinese New Year, the Lantern Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival and the Mid-autumn Festival).
Customs and traditions (what Chinese eat, wear, do on all these holidays and most, importantly, the Chinese way of thinking).
History, art, and geography (for example, the first emperor :Qin Shi Huang, the Yuan Dynasty, the terra cotta warriors, Chinese porcelain, the Yellow River, Tibet, and major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai Guilin and Xi’an) .
Chinese poetry (Li Bai’s Quiet Night, 凉州词）and Chinese traditional music instrument (the er hu, zheng, and moon guitar).
Chinese songs (你笑起來真好看， 茉莉花) and stories, such as the Monkey King, Kung Fu Panda, and Chinese ghost stories.
The Olympics, what sports are popular in China, and the Chinese school system, including information about the gao kao, college entrance examination .
This year, the Year of the Dragon, I took a group of eight to Ygnacio Valley Elementary School in Concord, California to help them celebrate Chinese New Year. These eight included two classically trained artists, graduates from Guangdong Art Institute, and two Chinese calligraphers. We did drawings of Chinese dragons, storytelling of “The Story of Nian,” and wrote a Chinese character, “good luck 福” . This school has about 400 students, and the majority are Latinos. The fun part was when the principal led the Chinese dragon dance through the whole school. The students were very excited. Also, they took home red envelopes with lucky money, with a note in Spanish telling what the lucky money meant.
In 2023, for the Year of the Rabbit, my church, Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, celebrated the Lunar New Year with about 200 participants. We had three Chinese artists, set up booths for the Chinese zodiac and paper folding. We also had a Chinese dragon dance, rabbit line dance and storytelling.
I have also brought Chinese educators from Anshan, China in 2016 to Wren Ave. Elementary School in Concord. They taught students Chinese games and told students about Chinese schools through PowerPoint presentations.”
This reminds me of what I did in the last 40 years before we moved to California. I have connected schools in China with several districts in Kentucky. Not just one class, or one school, but several school districts (Daviess County Public Schools, Owensboro Catholic Schools, Henderson Schools, Lewis port Public Schools, Evansville Christian School) . As a result, students came all the way from Anshan, China to visit their pen pals in Kentucky. Therefore, thousands of students have been introduced to China and Chinese culture.
My husband and I also volunteered in Asheville, North Carolina for three summers atMy Camp China, which is a program for Chinese children who have beenadopted by American families. The older ones are already married and in their late 20s. Above all, I am most proud of this group that I started teaching in 1998 at First Presbyterian Church in Owensboro, Kentucky. Through the years, these 2- or 3-year-old Chinese children, especially girls, adopted by American families have studied Chinese language and culture from me, and are now in their mid-twenties. One of the mothers , Beth Hubbard, has become the president of Owensboro/Henderson Chapter, of USCPFA, and another parent, Carol Gehret, is the chapter treasurer. Beth’s daughter, Lily, has become a leader and activists for Asian Americans at her college, the University of Southern Indiana. Others have shown Chinese influence in their area of work.
You see, when you sow seeds everywhere, you don’t know where they may germinate, but somehow you can expect a “ harvest”
Several parents reached out to me. They brought their children to participate in my presentation—Aarya, (10) from DC, Vivian (8), Max (11) both from Minnesota and Oliver (15) from Seattle. I have given them Chinese names 雷伊洁， 文伊敏， 文可明， 白可明。By looking at the middle characters, you can tell we all are in the same family tree. That is our Chinese custom. 男的排”可” , 女的排 “伊” .
During my hour long presentation, they all got a chance to shine—Aarya recited 涼州詞, brother Max and sister Vivian recited 靜夜思, while Oliver gave a long speech what China meant to him. 他们都说的字正腔圆。and made me very proud.
Oliver said, “當我第一次來林老師的課堂時,我什麼都不懂, 但是這三年來, 我的中文進步很多,現在中國在我的生命當中,意義重大!” “When I first attended your class, I did not understand anything, but after three years my Chinese improved. Now China means a lot in my life.”
Both he and his mother joined our South Bay chapter and attended Washington Seminar for 3 days. We even visited Chinese-American Museum in DC, and attended the 50th anniversary of US-China People’s Association at China Embassy as guests of honor. All are so unforgettable! Many people now are following Oliver and want to see what he will do in the future!”
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Winny Lin, Board of Director at USCPFA- South Bay Chapter, was born in Guilin, China, but grew up in Taiwan. In 1971, she came to the U.S. to attend Illinois State University. She earned a master’s degree in special education and then taught for more than 50 years in Kentucky and California public schools before teaching Mandarin Chinese on Outschool,
Billy is a great fan and admirer of this dynamic cross-cultural connector and teacher. She is always smiling and always reaching out with joy, enthusiasm, and caringness.
I am very glad to be a “post-90s” person—having celebrated my 90th birthday. Looking back on the past, it is fortunate that I have many friends in my life, including those from France, the United Kingdom, Japan, the United States, Italy, Germany, Singapore… and so on.
Some young friends asked me: How can you have so many friends? And be able to maintain long-term communication and friendship? I thought about it. Perhaps it can be summed up in two sentences: Treat people with sincerity（以诚待人） and make friends through literature（以文会友）!
Treat people with sincerity（以诚待人）
Chinese traditional culture believes that “integrity is the foundation of being a person and establishing a career.” There is a Chinese proverb: “Those who treat others with sincerity will also be treated with sincerity by others.” It means that if you treat others sincerely, others will treat you sincerely in return. There is also an ancient saying: “Treating people with sincerity will become clear over time.” It means that treating others with a sincere attitude, over time, others will naturally understand your intention. Therefore, treating people with sincerity is a bridge to communicate with the soul and the foundation for making friends.
Make friends through literature（以文会友）
Making friends through literature is to make friends and enhance friendship through the exchange of cultural knowledge. Many of my friends in the international academic community have become good teachers and friends through in-depth academic exchanges. Through mutual learning and sharing academic knowledge, we can increase our common language and understanding, and thus establish deep friendships. The origin of this idiom can be traced back to ancient Chinese cultural exchanges and friendship concepts. As it is said in “The Analects of Confucius · Yan Yuan”: “A gentleman makes friends through literature.” In the Song Dynasty, Liu Yong’s “Nüguanzi” poem says: “Make friends through literature, endure the temptation of floating melons and plums and be careful in making promises.” In ancient times, cultural knowledge was an important medium for people to communicate and establish friendships, sharing their hearts and enjoying each other’s company to enhance mutual understanding and friendship.
Prof. Wang Lili was the first Vice President of Ningbo University and an esteemed Material Scientist in China. He was responsible for getting me back to teach Architecture at Ningbo U. in 1991. He is certainly one of my most admired, respected, and loved cousins – we are related as his maternal grandmother was the youngest sister of my paternal grandfather. I requested that he write something for my Friendship & Friendshipology Website, and within a week I received his response:
Professor Larry Yu-Chi Ho is a prominent figure in control theory, particularly known for his work in dynamic systems, optimization, and game theory. A Chinese-American mathematician, he was born in Shanghai and later moved to the U.S., where he pursued his studies at MIT and Harvard, earning a Ph.D. in applied mathematics. His contributions to control theory have been significant, especially in fields like differential games, stochastic estimation, and discrete event dynamic systems
Throughout his career, Ho has made substantial advancements in areas like perturbation analysis and ordinal optimization, methods used to simplify complex optimization problems without assigning precise numerical values. His work, such as the “Ho-Kashyap Rule” in pattern recognition and his studies in optimal control, has been highly influential.
Although Professor Ho retired from teaching at Harvard in 2001, he remains active in research. In China, he maintains a popular science blog on ScienceNet.cn, where he shares insights on his personal experiences, research, and topics of broader scientific interest. From 2001 to 2018 Professor Ho was chief scientist at the Center for Information and Networked Systems ( CFINS) of the Department of Automation at Tsinghua University. His chief duties were to help bring staff and researchers at CFINS to World Class standard and put the Center on the world map. He visited CFINS every year for one month at a time. He established new courses and did collaborative research with young local staff members at the center. Since 2018 he worked with CFINS remotely and hosted visits from staff from Tsinghua at Harvard/ Boston.
According to Harvard Profile, Professor Ho was a long-time faculty member at Harvard’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), where he contributed significantly to systems engineering and applied mathematics. His research focuses on optimal control, game theory, and the mathematical underpinnings of decision-making processes. He has mentored many Ph.D. students, contributing to their development as leading scholars in control theory. His academic accolades include being a fellow of prestigious organizations such as the National Academy of Engineering and IEEE.
On Science Net,( started in 2007) Professor Larry Yu-Chi Ho has been sharing his scientific insights and personal reflections through blog posts. He discusses topics ranging from his personal experiences in research to broader topics such as the philosophy of science, education, and the importance of balancing scientific innovation with ethical considerations.
His posts emphasize a deep connection to both his professional achievements and his personal life, offering readers a holistic view of his thoughts on science, society, and family. The blogs indeed reveal much about his Life in the United States which help friends from China have a better understanding about Cross cultural relations. He has also introduced a few articles from his friends.
Professor Larry Yu-Chi Ho’s blog on Science Net has been widely appreciated for its blend of professional insights and personal wisdom. Readers often highlight his ability to seamlessly connect complex scientific ideas with everyday life lessons. While he is a renowned expert in control theory, his blog posts extend beyond academic and professional content, delving into reflections on family, personal growth, and philosophical musings on human relationships and societal responsibilities.
One particularly well-received post is his “Valentine Day Tribute to My Wife,” where he shares his personal appreciation for his spouse, blending scientific reasoning with heartfelt emotion. Such posts resonate deeply with his readers because they show a different side of the scientist—one who values emotional intelligence and the importance of relationships in a fulfilling life. His reflections on family vacations and the joys of simple moments, such as driving across the U.S. with his family, further enhance the human aspect of his writings.
These non-professional wisdoms often revolve around themes of balance in life, humility, and the importance of ethical reflection in one’s work, making his blog a valuable source of both scientific and life lessons.
Professor Larry Yu-Chi Ho’s ScienceNet blog has received salutary comments from readers across different regions, appreciating both his scientific acumen and his personal reflections. Here are a few notable examples:
From China: Many Chinese readers on ScienceNet have expressed admiration for Professor Ho’s deep philosophical reflections on science and life. A common sentiment is the respect for his “humility and balance,” with one reader commenting: “Professor Ho’s ability to merge rigorous science with life’s everyday wisdom is what makes his writings unique. His personal stories inspire us to see beyond mere professional success.” This reflects the cultural value placed on life wisdom and the appreciation for a well-rounded intellectual figure.
From the U.S.: American audiences, especially those familiar with his academic work, commend him for stepping beyond the usual technical boundaries to touch on human experiences. A commenter once said: “It’s refreshing to see someone so accomplished in science speak so openly about love, family, and the simple joys of life. His Valentine’s tribute was deeply moving and unexpected from a figure of his stature.” This shows how his personal writings resonate even among his academic peers, giving them a window into the human side of a rigorous scientist.
From Other Global Readers: International readers often view his blog as a source of both intellectual and emotional wisdom. A European reader remarked: “Professor Ho’s reflections on his life’s journey are as instructive as his scientific papers. His blog is a rare blend of deep thought, love for humanity, and scientific integrity.” This highlights how his writings have crossed cultural and geographical boundaries, appealing to those who appreciate the integration of science with life’s broader lessons.
These comments illustrate the global appeal of Professor Ho’s blog, with readers from various cultural backgrounds finding value in both his technical insights and his thoughtful reflections.
Started in 2007. this blog today has over six million readers globally according to ChatGPT.
D.Paul Schafer and friend Yan Yan at Toronto Chinese Opera
ChatGPTprovided this following summaryof D Paul Schafer’s book ,“The Great Cultural Awakening”:
D. Paul Schafer’s The Great Cultural Awakeningdelves into the transformative potential of culture in addressing the world’s pressing challenges, such as environmental degradation, economic inequality, and social fragmentation. Schafer argues that society’s extreme focus on economic growth and materialism has led to unsustainable development and global crises. He advocates for a cultural shift, where the values of empathy, creativity, and sustainability take precedence over mere economic gain.
Schafer presents culture as a holistic concept that includes not just the arts, but also education, science, and community, emphasizing their collective role in shaping societies. He believes that by embracing cultural values, humanity can move toward more equitable, peaceful, and environmentally responsible ways of living.
At the heart of his thesis is the idea that a “cultural awakening”, a renewed understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural expressions and values—can inspire a more balanced and humane world. He calls for governments, institutions, and individuals to prioritize cultural developments and policies and to nurture a sense of global citizenship rooted in shared cultural heritages and experiences.
In short, Schafer envisions a future where cultural awareness leads to a harmonious coexistence, fostering unity in diversity and prioritizing the well-being of all people, countries, and the planet as a whole.
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Few days ago,Paul. Schafersent me a 27page article titled:“CREATING PORTRAITS OF COUNTRIES’ CULTURES IN THE HOLISTIC SENSE TO ENHANCE WELL-BEING AND COME TO GRIPS WITH THE WORLD’S MOST DIFFICULT PROBLEMS” It emphasized many of his concepts from his “THE GREAT CULTURAL AWAKING” book, but this article talked more about Arts, Heritage, the power of SYMBOLS, and PORTRAITS Of CULTURES with HOLITIC VALUES and UNDERSTANDING – and shared much of his love and knowledge about Spain and its culture which ca n be used as a prototype sample. As a retired Architect, now focusing on https://Friendshipology.net, I am particularly interested in learning more about Cross-Cultural Bonding and Interconnecting, and I was quickly attracted to the following passages from his writing:
“As culture and cultures play a more prominent role in the world due to the great cultural awakening that is going on in many countries, treating organizations as cultures, and many other factors, it is possible to experience a real “paradise on earth” as well as come to grips with some of the world’s most difficult problems by creating portraits of countries’ cultures as wholes and ways of life using some of their most characteristic parts as symbols.”
“Of all the parts of cultures that are available to us, the arts in general and artists and arts organizations in particular play a quintessential role in this holistic process by providing many of the symbols that are necessary to unlock the secrets of cultures in all different geographical levels. Artists use the most characteristic parts of cultures as symbols to convey crucial information about cultures. Since artistic works, like culture and cultures, are also wholes made up of many parts, artists and arts organizations understand this process and possess the knowledge, sensitivity, expertise, and sensorial skills – as well as expressive abilities and communicative capabilities – that are needed to sense and feel how cultures are put together and function as dynamic and organic wholes.
“The old adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” is a cliché, but it speaks volumes about the ability artists possess to create the symbols that are necessary to come to grips with this problem, and in so doing, pass on an incredible amount of information and valuable insights into the holistic character of cultures that can’t be communicated in any other way at all.”
“One of the best examples of using the parts of cultures to produce this symbolic effect for the culture of a country was Gandhi’s use of “homespun” and “salt” – two of India’s most characteristic parts and precious assets – as powerful symbols to portray the character of the culture of India as a whole and way of life that eventually brought an end to British rule in India. And what is true for these two symbols and the culture of India is also true for the cultures of all countries and some of their most relevant symbols as well, such as the Statue of Liberty and American culture, the Great Wall and the culture of China, Angor Wat and Cambodian culture, and myriad others. This is also true for cultures at all other geographical levels, be it at the neighborhood, community, town, city, rural, and regional level. Think, for example, of such symbols as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Coliseum in Rome, the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Stonehenge in a “stand alone” area in England, and numerous others that communicate a great deal about the character of the places and cultures they epitomize. Not only are these parts well known in the cities, places, and countries where they are located, but also, they are well known in many other countries and parts of the world as well.“
“The architect Ieoh Ming Pei emphasized this holistic ability best by using architectural creations as symbols for something much greater and grander when he said: “Architecture is the very mirror of life. You only have to cast your eyes on buildings to feel the presence of the past, the spirit of a place; they are the Reflection of Society.“
“Parts like this and countless others can be used in much the same way to create and build portraits of the cultures of communities, towns, cities, rural areas, regions, and countries that are very “symbolic” or “representative” of these cultures in the holistic sense.”
“It is important to emphasize here that any part of a culture can fulfill this holistic function and purpose if they possess or are accorded this symbolic status. This manifests itself most obviously in all the different arts forms – performing, exhibiting, literary, architectural, cinematographic, culinary, ceremonial, environmental, horticultural, culinary, and so forth in general, and music, paintings, plays, photographs, poetry, films, videos, dances, stories, poems, cathedrals, mosques, synagogues, civic squares, festivals, fairs, parades, food, and so forth in particular. Parts can also be used to convey crucial information about important historical and contemporary events, such as Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and Don McLean’s American Pie that sheds light on the plane crash that occurred in the United States on February 3, 1959 and killed three popular singers – The Big Bopper (J.P. Richardson, Jr.), Buddy Holley, Ritchie Valens – and several others.”
“This is also true for countries’ national flags and anthems and even more so, which explains why many people get so upset when people trample on their flags or laugh, talk, or sit during the playing of their anthems. However, this symbolic capability is also true for revered athletes such as Pelé and Brazilian culture and Messi and Argentinian culture, animals such as kiwis and New Zealand culture, flowers such as tulips and Dutch and Turkish cultures, sunflowers and Ukrainian culture, oak and cherry trees and British and Japanese culture, grapes, olives, wine, beer, and other beverages and many European and North and South American cultures, and rice and most Asian cultures.”
“This is also true for natural resources such as lakes, mountains, forests, and most notably rivers that can also be used for this symbolic purpose. This is manifested in the ability some composers have to create musical works or portraits based on elements taken from nature that are symbolic of something much greater and possibly even the entire way of life of people and their countries’ cultures as wholes. An excellent example of this is Smetana’s musical masterpiece The Moldau, or what is called Vltava in Czechia or the Czech Republic. This musical composition is about the remarkable river that flows majestically from its origins in the mountains of a Bohemian forest, meanders leisurely through the Czechia countryside, and finally arrives at its destination Prague, the country’s capital. It is a very patriotic work that captures Smetana’s love for his country or homeland, history, and fellow citizens. It was completed in 1874, performed in 1875, and is the second movement of his six-movement monumental magnum opus Ma Vlast (My Country).”
“Rivers such as the Moldau and many others have been a favorite subject and symbol of composers for a long time. This is probably because water is one of humanity’s and the world’s most precious assets – if not the most precious – and rivers have a great deal to do with movement and flow that are basic elements at all stages in life and all species.”
“Other well-known examples of how rivers have been depicted by composers in this symbolic sense are The Blue Danube by Johann Strauss Jr., Flow Gently, Sweet Afton by Robert Burns and Jonathan Spilman, The Yellow River Piano Concerto by Yin Chengzong and Chu Wanghua’s based on Xian Xinghai’s Yellow River Cantata, and such well-known American favorites as Ol’ Man River and “Sketches on Shenandoah” by Peter Boyer.”
“Interestingly, many composers have used folk music for a similar purpose, such as Zoltán Kodály and his Variations on a Hungarian Folk Song and Dances of Galanta, Bêla Bartók and his Romanian Folk Dances for String Orchestra, and George Enescu and his popular Romanian Rhapsodies. It alldepends on what symbols are required most in order to reveal the character of countries’ cultures in the all-embracing sense.”
“THE POWER AND POTENTIAL OF SYMBOLS They manifest themselves in specific places, cases, and situations. An excellent example of this is the Olympic Games that took place in France and Paris in 2024. Not only was the culture of France as a whole and way of life epitomized at these Games through the skillful use of the country’s captivating capital Paris – also known as the “City of Light” – but also the Eiffel Tower was used in a very similar fashion as one the most obvious and cherished symbols of the culture of France and Paris. “
“Interestingly, the Eiffel Tower also conveys a great deal about the Cultural Paradise that exists on earth due to its universal appeal and significance committee of the Games for this specific purpose. Not only did it fulfill this purpose admirably since it epitomized the magnetic attraction of the cultures of both France and Paris in the all-encompassing sense, but also it epitomized the Games through the Tower’s ability to inspire athletes to reach for far greater heights in the hope of winning gold, silver, or bronze medals as symbols of their rigorous training schedules, strenuous efforts over many years, and outstanding accomplishments”
“Overall, their purpose is to enhance people’s knowledge, understanding, appreciation, and respect for their own culture and cultures, the cultures of other countries, and foster peace, harmony, happiness, fulfillment, and well-being in the world and in life.”
“It is essential to point out here that the number of symbols needed in any specific situation depends primarily on the types of cultures and countries involved in this symbolic process. If countries’ cultures are extremely diverse, many more symbols will be required than if cultures and countries have fewer differences and more similarities. Added to this is the fact that symbols can come from any source and don’t need to be well-known or famous to serve a valuable purpose in exploring and exposing a culture’s character.”
“In recent years, no person has contributed more to America’s and the world’s understanding, awareness, and appreciation of this remarkable parts-whole process and symbolic phenomenon than the American documentary filmmaker Ken Burns. In making his films, Burns has demonstrated an uncanny knack for selecting specific parts of American culture and the American way of life that are not only symbolic in their own right, but also highly representative of American culture and the American way of life as a whole. This is especially true for such documentary films as The Civil War, Jazz, Country Music, Jackie Robinson, Baseball, The Roosevelts, The Statue of Liberty, and The National Parks: America’s Best Idea. It is impossible to watch any of these films without learning a great deal about Americans as people, United States as a country, and American culture as a whole and distinct way of life. By selecting these topics and connecting their carefully crafted parts as symbols, Burns illustrated how it is possible to produce a far more comprehensive portrait of American culture that goes right to the heart and soul of what the United States, its culture, and way of life are really all about.”
“It is imperative to state another essential point here. It should be noted that symbols can be used for nationalistic purposes that are positive or negative. When symbols are used in nationalistic and constructive ways, they can accomplish a great deal in terms of enhancing people’s and countries’ national identity, sense of belonging, and pride of place. However, when they are used fornationalistic and destructive purposes, as has often been the case over the course of history, they can be used by dictators and oppressive regimes to control and manipulate people, countries, and cultures for their own diabolical ends. Clearly, symbols should only be used for positive purposes, as well as activities and ideals that are beneficial, helpful, and indeed inspirational.”
CREATING PORTRAITS OF COUNTRIES’ CULTURES
I have selected the culture of Spain as a prototype example for this demonstrative purpose. I have done this because I have spent a great deal of time exploring the many different regions of Spain over the course of my life and believe from my experiences with this culture and the cultures of other countries I have explored or studied that there are many advantages to be derived from using the culture of Spain for this purpose, especially as there are many powerful symbols that reveal and confirm this.”
“There is no doubt that Musicis one of these symbolic parts – if not the most symbolic part – of the culture of Spain as a whole. This musical tradition began in Spain many centuries ago and continues to captivate millions of people and organizations in Spain and many other parts of the world today. Several Spanish composers, for example, were well-known during the Renaissance, such as Cristóbal de Morales, Tomás Luis deVictoria, and others. However, the music of Spain is manifested most profusely in symbolic terms by Flamenco music, which originated in the Andalusian region of southern Spain following the arrival of the Moors in 711 and the dominant role they played in the southern and central regions of Spain for many centuries after this. Since that time, many Flamenco singers, dancers, guitarists, violinists, and cellists have become well-known in Spain and other parts in the world, such as singers Pastora Pavón (La Niña de los Peines), José Monje Cruz (Camarón de la Isla), Estrella Morente, and Carmen Pacheco Rodríguez (Carmen Linares), dancers Carmen Amaya Amaya, Sara Baras, and Rafael Amargo, guitarists Carlos Montoya, Paco de Lucía, Vincente Amigo, and Andrés Segovia, violinistPablo de Sarasate, cellist Pablo Casals; and numerous others.”
“ In classical terms, many distinguished Spanish composers have composed music that is very symbolic of Spain and its culture, including Isaac Albéniz and Asturias and Iberia Suite, Manuel de Falla and Noches en los Jardines de España (Nights in the Gardens of Spain), Enrique Granados and Goyescas, Pablo de Sarasate and Zigeunerweisen (Gypsy Airs), Danzas espanōlas (Spanish Dances), and Fantasia de Carmen (Carmen Fantasy for violin, piano, and orchestra based on themes from Bizet’s opera Carmen), Joaquím Rodrigo and his remarkable Concierto de Aranjuez, Concierto Andaluz, and Fantasia para un gentilhombre (Fantasy for a Nobleman), Francisco Tárrega and Recuerdos de la Alhambra, and many others. This is probably why Plato claimed in his famous book The Republic many centuries ago that “Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” One of the highest tributes that can be paid to the music of Spain is the fact thatmany composers from other countries have been captivated – mesmerized might be a better word – with this music as well. This goes back many centuries. When Miguel de Cervantes’literary masterpiece Don Quijote de la Mancha (Don Quixote) was published in Spain between 1605 to 1615 – which countless authors and historians claim is the most important non-fiction book in the world and the first real novel ever written.”
“A composer who became totally obsessed with Cervantes’ famous book and its contents was the German composer Georg Philipp Telemann, Like Telemann, there were many other composers who were not Spanish or born in Spain but nevertheless produced musical works that are characteristic of Spain and its culture. Included here are such well known composers as Luigi Boccherini, who was actually born in Italy but spent most of his life in Spain and wrote Del Fandango (Fandango, Quintet in D. major, No. 4, G. 488) and Musica notturna delle strade di Madrid (Nocturnal Street Music of Madrid), composers from France such as Édouard Lalo who wrote Symphonie espagnole and Danse espagnole, Emmanuel Chabrier who wrote Espagñe, and Maurice Ravel who wrote Boléro (Bolero), as well as Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov from Russia and his popular Capriccio espagnol (Spanish capriccio). Seldom, If ever, have so many composers from other countries been totally carried away by the music and culture of another country and composed music about it. What a great tribute.”
“These well-known musical works can be augmented and enhanced considerably by adding numerous paintings by such talented Spanish artists as Diego Velázquez and his Las Meninas (Royal Members of Society) (12), Salvador Dali and La Persistencia de la Memoria (The Persistence of Memory), El Greco and El Entierro del Conde de Orgaz (The Burial of the Count of Orgaz), Francisco Goya and La Maja Desnuda (Naked Gypsy/Venus) and La Maja Vestida (Clothed Gypsy/Venus), Pablo Picasso and his famous painting Guernica, and numerous others.”
“To this list should also be added many well-known Spanish authors and poets, often referred to as “masters of the pen, prose, and poetry.” In addition to Miguel de Cervantes and his precious literary achievements much earlier, over the past centuries there have been many other literarymasters and poets such as Juan Ruiz, Lope de Vega, Rosalía de Castro, Benito Pérez, Galdos Juan Ramón Jiménez, Federico García Lorca, Jorge Luis Borges, and many others. To this list should be added highly representative architects, architectural achievements, and symbols including the Alhambra in Granada, Toledo Cathedral, the Meziquita Mosque in Cordoba, BurgosCathedral, the Museo National del Prado, Paseo del Prado in Madrid, and especially several of Giovanni Antoni Gaudi’s controversial architectural creations, most notably Case Batlló, Park Güell,La Pedrera, Casa Milà, and especially Basicilia della Sagrada Familia.”
“Caping off and celebrating this precious architectural feast would undoubtedly be the Plaza de Espagña situated in the Parque de Maria Lucia in Seville. This Plaza was built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 and is a landmark symbol of the regional character of architecture of Spain that mixes together parts of the Baroque, Renaissance, and Moorish (Mudégar) traditions and styles. The Parque is designed in the “Moorish paradisical style” with a half mile of tiled fountains, many pavilions representing the diverse regions of Spain – each with a pavilion of its own covered with very specific and symbolic ceramic-colored tiles – as well as ponds, beaches, palm, orange, and pine trees, and lush flower gardens. All these artistic wonders and powerful symbols and many others like them make it possible to conjure up and create a “musical, visual, literary, and architectural portrait of the culture of Spain” capable of making a major contribution to broadening and deepening the overall portrait of Spain as a country, its people, and its culture as a whole through its many powerful symbolic parts.”
“There are many other powerful symbols that are also very characteristic of Spain’s culture as a whole and way of life. Included here would undoubtedly be Quixote-type windmills, bulls, bullfights,culinary delicacies such as tapas, paella, sangria, sherry, churro, distinctive Spanish wines and olive oils, Camina scallop shells that are deemed to have “a special spiritual quality and value,” colourful fans, flags, and castanets, paseo or strolling, exquisite craft objects, special Spanish horses, magnificent gardens, El Cid (Spain’s Robin Hood for helping others and the poor), espadrilles or certain types of summer shoes, symbolic cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Granada, Cordoba, Segovia, Burgos, Santiago de Compostela, Salamanca, Zaragosa, and many others.”
“These symbols have evolved over many centuries, and many of them have resulted from interactions that took place in southern and central Spain following the arrival of the Moors in 711 and the dominant role they played in the Andalusian region during the “Golden Age” from 756 to 1031 that produced a very lively flowerings of the arts, sciences, technology, and other activities. This age was declared by the scholar Américo Castor in 1948 and confirmed by many other scholars and historians during and since that time that resulted in a great deal of peace, harmony,and happiness between Christians, Jews, and Muslins in Spain that has seldom occurred in history or other parts of the world. This was because these three groups set aside their religious conflicts and differences and experienced what is called “convivencia” or “coexistence” that was not only in the best interests of these three groups but also beneficial for all people and religions in Spain.”
“One of the most obvious illustrations of convivencia in historical terms was the marriage of Queen Isabella I of Castile (1451-1504) and King Ferdinand of Argon (1452-1516) and the joint rule of these two heroic leaders that sealed the de facto unification of Spain as a country and no longer separate regions (a major feature in the creation and development of Spain as a country and culture as a whole). These two outstanding leaders jointly and successfully governed the country and acted as a powerful symbol of gender equality that seldom occurred in the world at that time and for many centuries later.”
“Thanks to many contemporary technological developments such as films, television, recordings, and videos in earlier times and social media networks, technological advances, and digital devices more recently, it is now possible to enhance this emerging portrait considerably by exploring and experiencing many other important dimensions of Spain’s culture and appreciate its many cherished cultural achievements and symbols over the centuries. This can be enlarged and enriched considerably by flying over Spain in a virtual sense and viewing its geological and geographical features, diverse regions, and cultures in visual terms in some detail (this is now possible for most other countries’ cultures in the world today), and taking virtual tours of Spain’s art galleries, museums, cathedrals, mosques, castles, libraries, palaces, festivals, fairs, and especially walking tours through the streets of its many enticing towns and cities at any time of the day or night or at any age in life to form a general impression of how the country’s public and private institutions and political, legal, economic, communications, and transportation systems function. These contemporary achievements are equally phenomenal and should be recognized and used rather than ignored, especially with respect to Spain’s highly effective social security system and impressive automotive, medical, technological, chemical, shipbuilding, and textile exports. Added to this is the ability of Spain to achieve a fine balance between the forces of centralization and decentralization as well as relationships between many different types of people and groups,thereby reducing some of the polarizations, divisions, and conflicts this can and often do arise from this.”
“As indicated earlier, regions have always played an extremely important role in the cultural development of Spain over the centuries and still do today. As Anna Villarroya and Pedro Rothstein pointed out in their recent article, The Integration of Cultural Rights in Spanish Cultural Policies: Spain is a highly decentralized, quasi-federal country, where regional authorities have taken over most of the responsibility for culture…. In 2021, the majority of public cultural expenditure in Spain came from regional and local governments, which together represent 85% of public cultural spending. This decentralized nature of Spain’s political model has favored the adoption of different models for cultural policies. One of the most recent outstanding aspects is the adoption of different initiatives (e.g. legislative plans, and changes in structures) in the area of cultural rights at the state level, as well as in different Spanish regions.”
“To be fully exercised, Cultural Rights must be taken into account in cultural policy making on all levels, including legal instruments for their protection and implementation…. Defending a cultural rights approach entails a rearticulation of human rights and freedoms towards a more democratic, equal, and inclusive society for all citizens.”
“It is clear from this evolving portrait that the more parts and symbols such as these and many others are added and used, the more this portrait expands, is enhance, and begins to manifest what this culture as a whole and way of life is really all about, designed to accomplish, operates on a daily basis, and reveals itself to the world in very specific and meaningful terms.”
“Over the centuries, Spain has learned through bitter experiences with different ethnic and racial groups, the Inquisition at home, and colonization abroad, and other tragic events that the arts, humanities, and heritage of history have a powerful role to play in manifesting the country’s true cultural character and identity, why inclusion, integration, and cooperation are much better than exclusion, isolation, and competition, and artistic, scientific, and humanistic values and ideals are much better than division, conflict, confrontation, and war. It is not coincidental in this regard that Federico Mayor, former Director-General of UNESCO and a well-known scientist, educator, poet, and diplomat in Spain and elsewhere in the world, created the Fundación Cultura de Paz (Foundation of a Culture of Peace) in Madrid in 2000 for this very specific reason.Hopefully, this much more expansive portrait of the culture of Spain as a whole andway of life will help people and organizations in other countries in the world to createsimilar portraits of their cultures in holistic terms, be they in Africa, Asia, South America,North America, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, or elsewhere in the world. “
“What should constantly be borne in mind in creating and using portraits like this and many othersis that this is not only possible at the national level, but also at all other levels.While portraits like this are very helpful for people and countries in all parts of theworld in experiencing the cultural paradise that exists on earth and realizing all the joy,happiness, and fulfillment that can come from this, there are many other essential uses ofthese portraits and this remarkable parts-whole process and symbolic phenomenon.”
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Short bio for D. Paul Schafer <wwwWorldCultureProjects.org>
D. Paul Schafer is a Canadian cultural scholar, educator, and author with extensive experience in economics, the arts, culture, cultures, and cultural development and policy. He has spent over 50 years working on understanding culture and cultures, cultural policy, global sustainability, and the role of culture in human and societal development. Schafer is the founder and director of the World Culture Project (www.worldcultureproject.org) in 1989 and has authored many books, including The Age of Culture, Revolution or Renaissance, and The Great Cultural Awakening. His work advocates shifting toward a culture-centric perspective in addressing global challenges, emphasizing the importance of integrating culture and cultures into all aspects of life and living for the well-being of individuals, countries, societies, and the world. Two of his books – Culture: Beacon of the Future and Revolution or Renaissance: Making the Transition from an Economic Age to a Cultural Age have been translated into Chinese and published by the Social Sciences Academic Press in Beijing He resides in Markham, Ontario with his wife Nancy and has been active with both the Chinese Opera of Toronto and several Taichi Groups.
ICAF’s 5th World Children’s Festival 2-4 July 2015 – The National Mall, Washington D.C.
July 2015 , Stephen Smuin, Chris Fiorentini, and myself were invited to participate at ICAF’s 5th World Children’s Festival held at Wahington DC National Mall. We were to conduct a work shop on FRIENDSHIP or simply GOOD FEELINGS. On this weekend celebrating America’s Independence we were going to introduce the significance of Global Friendship and Interdependence.
Dr. Ashfaq Ishfaq who founded ICFA ( International Child Art Foundation ) in Washington DC in April 1997. Came from a privileged family in Pakistan, he received an excellent education in a country where poverty was prevalent, and his early experiences made him aware of the stark inequalities around him which sparked his deep interest in addressing social issues. After moving to the U.S. to study economics, he worked at the World Bank. However, he came to realize that economic solutions alone were insufficient to tackle deep rooted problems.
His’s “Ah Ha” moment in founding the International Child Art Foundation (ICAF) came when he was involved in the research that identified a “creativity slump in U.S. fourth-graders”- led by psychologist E. Paul Torrance. This discovery showed him that schools were failing to inspire and motivate children creatively around that age. He realized that addressing this decline could help children develop empathy and creativity, which are critical for solving social challenges. This epiphany pushed him to shift focus from economic solutions to nurturing creativity and empathy through art programs for children.
Ishaq struggled initially to secure funding for the foundation, as many people were hesitant to support a grand cause centered on children’s art. This difficulty in acquiring financial backing highlights the challenges he faced in convincing potential supporters of the value of creativity in children. While I do not know who were his initial enablers, I have heard that Mrs. Rosaline Carter ( wife of President Jimmy Carter ), was an avid supporter of ICAF, and. ICAF activities eventually gained recognition, including partnerships with various institutions, such as the World Bank for Disaster Recovery Project. ICAF’s flagship “Arts Olympiad Program ” also gained recognition from U.S. Olympic Committee.
ICAF’s ChildArt Magazine Project is presently gaining momentum and making a significant impact globally. The magazine, which has been published quarterly since 1998, is dedicated to fostering creativity, self-discovery, and global education in young readers. It features themes that engage children in critical thinking and empathy, such as creativity, human security, and mindfulness. With nearly one million readers globally, including children, parents, and educators, ChildArt has now become an unique and influential platform for young creative youths.
Recent issues, such as one focusing on neuroaesthetics in collaboration with the International Arts + Mind Lab, have explored cutting-edge intersections between art and brain science. These efforts underscore the magazine’s broad appeal and potential for future growth. ChildArt provides a valuable educational tool, and its role in shaping young minds seems set to expand as arts education becomes increasingly recognized for its role in social, emotional, and cognitive development.
As the magazine continues to innovate with themes that resonate globally, it is poised for further success, especially as more educators and institutions recognize the power of arts in fostering creativity and empathy among children.
D. Paul Schafer, founder and director, World Culture Project wrote the following about Dr.Ishfaq :
“ I have worked in the arts and cultural field for more than fifty years and have thegreatest admiration for Ashfaq Ishaq and the remarkable role he has played in providingchildren from all part of the world with opportunities to enjoy the arts and athletics in realterms and learn from them what is of quintessential importance in the development oftheir lives and personalities as well as all the creativity, happiness, and fulfilment thatcan be derived from this. As a result of his tenacious commitment to the creation anddevelopment of the International Child Art Foundation (ICAF), countless childrenthroughout the world are able to look to the future with optimism, enthusiasm, andexcitement rather than pessimism, anxiety, and apprehension. Very few organizations inthe world are able to match this, which is a tribute to Ashfaq’s fortitude, vision, andability to produce concrete results under very difficult circumstances for futuregenerations of our children when it counts the most.”
I consider Dr. Ishfaq my mentor even though he is much younger than I. As an avid member of USCPFA ( US-China People’s Friendship Association) I sincerely hope that China will support his Project which indeed is a project for Long-term Global Peace, Joy, and Friendship. I also hope that my personal friends will check out < ICAF.org > and help support and sustain Dr. Ishfaq’s amazing efforts and achievements.
In 2014, Billy introduced Dr. Ishfaq to Mr. Yang Jie Chi. China’s Ambassdor to U.S., at the 1990 Institute sponsored “Chinese Children’s Art on Environment Exhibit” in Washington D.C..
Phil M. Chun born in Stockton, California. Graduate of San Jose State University with a major in Business Management (1973). Upon graduation, he worked for starter-ups and some of the largest high techs during the genesis of Silicon Valley. Ranging from Hewlett-Packard, 3Com, Access Lan, Sun Microsystems to Oracle as a Program Manager in New Products Development till his retirement in 2009. Volunteer English Conversation teacher at Mission College and Cupertino Senior Center from 2006 to 2020. Retirement years are now filled with gardening, cooking, exercising and travels.
Many years ago, upon graduation from college, I worked at a firm building mass spectrometry equipment. An analytical tool used to calculate the exact molecular weight of the sample. It was as foreign to me as my cubicle mate who worked next to me. Luis was simultaneously a professional football player for the San Jose Saber Cats.
My earlier years always found me participating in all sports which I played well but only as an amateur. Whether it was football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, bowling, tennis, or frisbee, I had the hand-eye coordination for it but never the opportunity to make a team because of required skill level, size, time, opportunities or money. So, I didn’t really understand what constitutes a professional athlete.
Luis kicked field goals and kick-offs. At 6’ 2” and 195lbs, he was a giant compared to my 5’9, 140lb frame. Because of my love for sports, we shared much in common as we learned together the mysteries of our company’s products and of each other. It was fun working next to someone of similar age but with very different background. He is Mexican and raised quite differently than my Chinese upbringing. Luis was not your typical jock and certainly his friends were also quite different than mine, but deep down inside, we were both similar in being inquisitive, young, and optimistic. Each lunch period when I eagerly started to take care of my stomach, Luis was out for his daily run. This 195-pound man ran almost the entire lunch period, I was indeed puzzled. When he returned, it was always a large healthy salad and some protein. It was never junk food like mine. Of course, practice took place several days a week after work and his discipline was exceptional. We often talked about proper eating and exercise programs. We also shared our dreams of someday owning a home, getting married, landing a big job and getting rich.
Taking care of his body was always a priority. We became good friends at work discussing all subjects on sports and of course, his team’s prowess in the last game. I was a couple years older than Luis, helping him with the job but he taught me from an early age, whether you are a professional athlete or not, one must care for one’s body. Well, it is now almost 40 years later and his words still resonate with me.
Cross culture relationships are both meaningful and enriching. We have to be opened to it and to each other. Diverse friendships can help people to removed biases and improve how we interact with people of different backgrounds.
“Every day and Every Person is unique and special”.
