Introduction

For two decades, I have followed the evolution of China on the spot. I have lived at her rhythm, enjoyed her success and cried with her when disasters struck.

All that time, I have expressed my views in books, such as the series Talking About China (I, II and III). The series proceeds under a new title, with articles published between 2010 and 2013 on China Daily, Beijing Review, People's Daily Overseas Edition,China.org, etc.. Limited by a set length when published in the newspapers, the texts may have been modified in this book to give a deeper insight. Some articles have been written especially for the present collection.

Topics cover moral values, urbanization, education, translation, animals' rights, retirement, etc., in short, life and society, and situations in China and in Western countries, as this book aims at Chinese and non-Chinese readers as well.

No matter what I write, I always write only what I think.

Lisa Carducci