How left-brained are the Chinese?

 How left-brained are the Chinese?

The Chinese left brain operates quite differently from its Western counterpart. This distinction arises because the Chinese have only recently begun to embrace left-brain thinking.

Chinese culture has been shifting leftward since 1911. Fortunately, they have retained their traditional language rather than adopting a phonetic system, which means their left turn transition is not yet fully complete.

A real-life example illustrates how they engage their left brains: they tend to focus on details while neglecting the whole scenario.

Focusing on details is a function of the left hemisphere, whereas perceiving the overall context or grasping the inner nature of a situation relies on the right hemisphere. Left-brained individuals often see only the external aspects.

Consider a case involving flooding in a high-rise building.

Flooding is a common issue in Hong Kong's tall residential buildings. In this instance, the water does not come from outside; instead, it results from a sudden burst of water pipes within the building. Some of these pipes are made of rubber, which is used to separate hot and cold water in kitchens. These rubber tubes are installed under sinks, making them prone to breakage. If a leak occurs while no one is home, it can lead to a flood.

This scenario unfolded when a wealthy couple left their luxury apartment in Hong Kong's Mid-Levels. One of the rubber pipes burst, causing water to flow out from their locked door into the building's corridors.

The water could potentially seep into neighboring units, and in the worst-case scenario, it could even enter the elevator shaft—an expensive problem that could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair, a sum that would take many people one or two entire years of work to earn.

The building management responded quickly. They used sandbags to block the flooded unit's door. A team of workers carried numerous sandbags as they lacked access to the apartment, and the wealthy couple was far away and unable to return quickly. Meanwhile, the water continued to rise inside, resembling a swimming pool.

You might be wondering how the couple can enter their house even if they have returned. They managed to send a nearby plumber for assistance. When the plumber arrived, he found the situation unusual. He asked the management team, "Why don't you turn off the main switch of the building to stop the flooding?" They replied, "No, we can't." 

"Why can't you turn it off? Is it broken?" he inquired. The manager explained, "We can't turn it off because other residents will complain if they have no water." Meanwhile, the water was cascading down to the units on the floors below.

This raises a question: why can't they use their right brain to envision the various scenarios?

If they could grasp the inner nature of the situation, things might not have gone so awry.

So, why is this the case?

Western civilizations tend to be more influenced by left-brain thinking than Chinese cultures. They developed their left-brain faculties much earlier, yet they often achieve a better balance between left and right brain functions.

Conversely, Chinese culture is thought to be more right-brain oriented. Why, then, can't they balance these faculties as effectively as their Western counterparts?

One factor is time. For thousands of years, the West have been striving to achieve this balance. From Leonardo da Vinci to Albert Einstein, many great thinkers exemplify left-brain strengths while also embracing creativity—Einstein, for instance, was a passionate music lover. And da Vinci was drawing in details while inventing in fancies.

Another factor for balancing, aside from time, is "salt."

Yes, just as you sprinkle salt to enhance a dish, you need to blend your left and right brain functions for optimal performance with some "salt".

What does "salt" represent?

"Salt" refers to the emotional aspect of the brain.

Emotion is a holistic function; it is neither strictly left- nor right-brained.

Emotion encompasses feelings—more than just love or hate; it includes inner sensations like intuition.

You need to have a passion to be smarter.

Emotions can be cultivated through literature, music, and other art forms.

They are a subtle yet essential component of civilization.

People often fall into the trap of experiencing too much love or too much hate, which can disrupt this balance.

In many cases, people tend to prioritize money above all else. They love money more than other things.

Without a proper emotional foundation, achieving balance becomes nearly impossible.

Positive outcomes won't materialize overnight.

If everyone is solely focused on money, civilization will surely go astray. A country cannot thrive if its citizens are entirely money-driven.

This represents a significant crisis within Chinese civilization.

note

some might argue that isn't the case. As there are external switches for every premise. But they might be focuing on details more than others, as the Hong Kong system of water supply includes sea water.  They use rubbers in the sea water flushing units.  Sea water have only one main switch for the building usually.  Its very common.  If people are too concerned in the details, and ask for more details, they cannot see the crisis behind. Its a serious issue in the Chinese development.