Indifference is the barrier to solving society’s problems, said Lee

Indifference is the barrier to solving society’s problems, said Lee

BY STEVEN LEWIS
Special to the Rice News

Societies everywhere
face many serious problems that will be solved only when
intellectuals and educated people give up their indifference
to these problems. That was the argument made by noted Taiwanese
writer, scientist, educator and humanitarian R.C.T. Lee
in his talk, “The Serious Problems Facing Mankind,” before a Rice audience Sept. 15 at the Kyle Morrow Room
at Fondren Library.

The serious
problems identified by Lee include a lack of morality, the
squandering of natural resources and the existence of corrupt,
unrepresentative political systems. And although the solutions
to these problems undoubtedly include government action
and more responsible policies, Lee argued the fundamental
burden rests on the failings of individuals.

Lee attributed
some of the decline in social morality to the indifference
and opportunism of intellectuals. Taiwanese television and
movies often contain strong themes of superstition and prejudice,
he argued, and this is not so because the writers, producers
and investors are ignorant people. “What you basically
have is a small group of highly educated people cheating
a large group of uneducated people,” Lee said.

And in contrast
to arguments made in Western societies about the apathy
of younger generations, Lee told the audience that he was
optimistic that the young people in Taiwan and other societies
will be more altruistic and volunteerist than previous generations.
Drawing on his many years as a public educator in Taiwan
and his recent experience as president in overseeing the
reconstruction of Chinan University, leveled by an earthquake
in 1999, Lee said youth are not as constrained by the fears
and prejudices of their elders. This makes them ideal candidates
for volunteer work, and he urged the audience members, mainly
Rice students, to take up such work.

Lee also discussed
his popular short stories with audience members. He is best
known for two books, “Let the Wall Come Down”
and “The Stranger,” and some of his stories have
been made into television movies. Lee also is a frequent
commentator in the Taiwanese media on social issues.

Lee’s talk
was sponsored by the Transnational China Project at the
James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy, Fondren
Library and the North American Chinese Writers Association.

— Steven
Lewis is a senior researcher at the James A. Baker III Institute
for Public Policy