Five decades ago, a 22-year-old soldier of the
Chinese People's Liberation Army named Lei Feng died in an accident
while at work. After excerpts from his diary, which recorded some
of his volunteer work and charitable acts, were published, the top
Chinese leadership initiated a large-scale campaign urging people
to emulate his exemplary deeds.
Although Lei did not accomplish anything
extraordinary during his lifetime, he was always ready to do
everyday work for people and society. He donated his monthly
allowances to disaster-hit areas, took part in various volunteer
activities, and helped anyone in need he came across. Owing to his
good deeds, he was admired and eulogized by millions of fellow
citizens. And as an icon and role model, he has inspired and
influenced both his contemporaries and later generations.
However, circumstances have changed with the
passage of time. Today, Lei is no longer a household name, and his
exceptional qualities have been somewhat ignored or even branded by
some as irrelevant and out of tune with the prevailing social
values.
Worse still, along with the rise of
materialism and consumerism in China, the rules of human conduct in
the country seem to have been downgraded. The sheer pursuit of
personal or commercial benefits, sometimes at the cost of others,
has become commonplace. Cold-heartedness, egotism and a basic
rejection of altruism are increasingly prevalent attitudes.
Although Lei's exemplary model was set over
half a century ago, compassion and altruism remain highly relevant
today. In this fast-changing era China needs a positive role model
more than ever—Lei's deeds fully embody the core values needed in a
modern society.
Continuing to learn from his lofty example
will help build up ethical and moral virtues in China and help
combat selfish or demoralizing practices and tendencies.
While at times courtesy and social
responsibilities seem to be on the wane in the country, learning
from Lei has never ceased across China. In recent years, instances
that represent Lei's ideals are frequently reported and involve
individuals from all walks of life, from millionaire entrepreneurs
to garbage collectors.
For every story of avarice and indifference,
there is one about a person who was determined to do the right
thing. The selfless efforts of those who are determined to assist
the poor and needy and save the lives of those in danger correspond
to the needs of our times and these people have carried on Lei's
legacy.
Following Lei's model will never go out date,
and if all of us make a real effort to strive for what Lei upheld
and practiced, it will not be difficult to build a truly harmonious
society.
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