On Tuesday morning 6 June the BBA (still called the Benelux Business Association, but not for long…) invited James to talk about his book.

One more book indeed, even China Daily mentioned a couple of days ago “the flood of China-themed business books” referring among others to “China CEO” (see previous blog) and James’ book, now quite famous.
Of course I bought it, with a kind dedication from James. Now I have to find the time to actually read it, as well as all the others.
Troubling what he said – did I hear well? He retreated for 18 months somewhere in a log cabin in the US to write? And people want I write something too? Not exactly encouraging when I hardly get through my e-mails every day. Maybe I should isolate myself in Phuket, haha. Maybe not exactly the place for quiet isolation. A cabin in the forest probably IS more appropriate.
This guy makes me jealous: 1. he speaks Chinese (my major frustration after 25 years) and managed to talk with some 300 Chinese (while biking in Beijing.. among other); 2. he finds time for his retreat.
He certainly also knows how to speak. Yes, he is a journalist but they are supposed to listen rather than talk, or? Some of his comments were sharp and in line with what I also think. Some of the remarkable ones, at least for me:
– our life is “guilt based” meaning we think we should follow rules (mostly a result of our education and religious influences); so we stop for a red light in the middle of the night when nobody is around; Chinese are rather “shame based” – meaning they just try to get away with as much as they can as long as they are not caught (and lose face, and that’s bad of course); now I know why Chinese are so undisciplined and do whatever they feel like. Just look at the Beijing traffic. I might have my own explanation but it’s for sure a nice way to put it.
– “If you don’t get rich in the gold rush, you’ll never get rich”. That really does not look good in my case. Maybe I should learn from the Chinese how to make money and get away with as much as I can. I blame my education with the Jesuits.
– “Should we be afraid of China? No, we should be afraid of ourselves”. Quite true Now, if you want to know why, I guess you’ll have to read the book.
So at least I know what I should NOT write about. Don’t worry, I have a long list of ideas still standing.