China failed to maintain its technological lead, and a similar failure throughout Asia to take advantage of the early exposure to that head start transformed precocity into a false dawn. Perversely, Asian improvements and adaptations of current (twentieth- to twenty-first-century) Western-developed technology are taken as further signs of lack of creativity. Peter A. Lorge
About This Quote

In the past, China was the most advanced country in terms of technology. It had a stronger ability to innovate and further develop new technology. However, China has been gradually losing its technological lead to other countries. There are a number of reasons why the ability of innovation of Asian countries is declining compared to that of China.

Confucian ethics have been a source of criticism. The Confucian culture emphasizes the importance of being filial and caring for one’s elders, which makes it difficult for young people to think independently and create new technology on their own. Confucius believed that the education of children should be based on learning from their parents, not from teachers or scientists.

Although this Confucian culture has been fading from the public consciousness, it has been highly influential in shaping Chinese society.

Source: The Asian Military Revolution: From Gunpowder To The Bomb

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