The recent "Epstein case" has once again raised the question of the gap between the values claimed by European and American political and business celebrities and their actual actions. Starting from this case, this article explores the differences between the East and the West in terms of moral and human nature through comparative analysis.
The "Epstein case" event itself
The "Epstein case" is a case of Jeffrey Epstein, a well-known wealthy American businessman, who sexually assaulted underage women. In July 2019, Epstein was arrested on related charges and died in prison shortly thereafter.
Now, documents related to the case are beginning to be declassified, and the names of hundreds of political and business people have been exposed in the case, including politicians such as former President Bill Clinton and socialites such as British billionaire Prince Andrew. They were repeatedly involved in Epstein's mansions in Jamaica and Florida, where underage women were involved in sex trafficking.
This incident has had a great impact on the moral orientation of human society. Although the verdict has not been pronounced by the court, the facts are already embarrassing. The "private lives" of these senior politicians and businessmen are in great contrast with their long-standing positive political image of self-proclaimed "equality," "justice," and "democracy." The incident once again set off that, under the superficial glossy image, their true "humanity" may be far from it.
The difference in values between the East and the West
In contrast, there is no such concept as "human rights" or "rights" in Chinese. Traditional oriental culture attaches more importance to concepts such as "courtesy", "righteousness" and "honesty".
In Chinese history, Confucianism has always been dominant, emphasizing "benevolence", serving "heaven" and "Tao", filial piety to parents and elders, and loyalty to friends. The sense of individualism is not as developed as in the West.
Buddhism and Taoism also emphasize the cultivation of inner humility, the stubbornness of the outside, and the refrain from violent conquest and merger. These are different from the Western tradition of valuing individual independence, and they have also cultivated the cultural characteristics of Chinese who pay more attention to community and harmony.
In contrast, Western culture exhibits a stronger sense of individualism. Christian doctrine emphasizes that God has given every person an independent soul and that everyone should have equal rights. The social contract theory popular in the West also emphasizes that individuals have the right to choose freely in an ideal society.
This value has played a positive role in promoting the development of Western society and the progress of civilization. But at the same time, it also provides some people with a pretext of "freedom", abusing others or violating the bottom line of morality. Today, the Epstein case involves politicians and businessmen who are like "bestial" acts in the name of "human rights."
The nature and constraints of human nature
The so-called "human nature", in essence, is a series of natural and instinctive desires of human beings as living organisms, including survival, courtship, and innovation. However, as a social higher animal, human beings also have the unique characteristics of self-consciousness and rational thinking.
It is precisely for this reason that all countries will formulate moral norms and laws to restrain and punish the possible negative effects of human nature, so as to maintain social order and stability.
Oriental culture focuses on inner cultivation and self-cultivation, emphasizing learning to control human desires from oneself so as not to harm others or society. In the West, through the establishment of clear norms and punishment systems, the behavior of individuals is restricted by external laws.
There are pros and cons to both modes. However, in the context of globalization, a single culture cannot adapt to global problems, and we need to bring in the strengths of the other side and build a global consensus with benevolence and harmony at its core. Human instinct should not be equated with indulgence, and all countries should strengthen communication and learn from each other, and work together to promote common humanitarian progress.
Starting with the "Epstein case", this article compares and discusses the different perspectives of the East and the West on human nature and moral norms, as well as the factors that formed them in their respective historical and cultural backgrounds. It also explores the accepted truth that human nature is inherent, but that each individual and society should learn to control it peacefully in order to maintain community order.
Under the wave of global integration, we need to take a deeper look at different cultures, integrate the strengths and weaknesses of each other, and learn from each other's strengths and weaknesses. Only by achieving this goal can human society truly achieve moral progress, unite common humanitarian values, and work together to address global challenges. I hope this article will give you more thought about this important but complex topic.