In China, the concept of the “public good” is a relatively recent phenomenon. Before the May 4th movement in 1919, the idea was scarcely discussed within Chinese society. This is largely because the notion of the public good, as we understand it today, evolved from traditional Western ideas of charity, which have deep roots in European history.
As early as 387 BC, Plato dedicated his Academy and its resources to his disciples, marking what is considered the first charitable foundation in Western history. In Europe, charity has long been seen as a social obligation, one that has shaped much of the discourse around philanthropy and public welfare.
The term "philanthropy" itself derives from two Greek roots: “phil,” meaning love, and “anthropy,” meaning humanity. In Chinese, the equivalent word is 慈善 (Ci-Shan), with ‘Ci’ representing compassion and ‘Shan’ representing kindness—compassion being the thought and kindness the deed. This parallels the Western understanding of charity: a one-directional act of giving, typically from those with more resources to those with less.
However, the public good differs from charity. While philanthropy is often driven by empathy and compassion, the public good is driven by rationality and the pursuit of the common interest. It's about redistributing social resources in ways that benefit society as a whole, not just one recipient. In this sense, contributing to the public good is a civic duty in which every individual or group can participate, and, crucially, it benefits the contributor as much as the receiver.
A Belated Start in China
The cause of the public good in China has only gained momentum in recent decades, a stark contrast to Western nations where charitable institutions have existed for centuries. The first significant domestic charity in China, the Chinese Children’s Fund, wasn’t established until 1981. Compare that with the UK, which had around 500 charities by the 13th century and passed its first philanthropic legislation, the Charity Uses Act, in 1601.
China’s equivalent legislation is still in development. Although a Charity Donation Act was passed in 1999, it came nearly 400 years after its Western counterpart. In a society where the public sphere has largely been defined by the relationship between the state and the individual, the contributions of civil society and the private sector to the public good have been slow to emerge.
Civil Society and Social Awareness
One of the most critical factors in advancing the public good is the development of civil society, which, in turn, depends heavily on social awareness or civic consciousness. In the West, this awareness is often rooted in religious traditions—whether Catholicism, Protestantism, or Islam—all of which emphasize giving without expecting anything in return. In contrast, China’s religious traditions often focus more on acquiring from deities rather than giving to society, which may partly explain the relative lack of civic consciousness historically.
The renowned Chinese writer Lu Xun was one of the first intellectuals to address this gap. He noted how foreign observers often found Chinese society overly focused on self-interest and obsessed with material wealth, with little concern for the public good. This cultural tendency has persisted, with many Chinese focusing more on acquiring from society than contributing to it.
However, as more Chinese citizens travel abroad, they are increasingly exposed to societies with a strong sense of social responsibility. Many returnees notice that ordinary citizens in the West are often deeply concerned with public welfare and are willing to work toward common social goals. This growing awareness is crucial for China as it seeks to build a sustainable model of public good.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the progress made in recent years, several challenges remain in the development of public good initiatives in China.
Regulatory Barriers: Establishing secular, non-profit organizations in China is still quite difficult, as legislation around this area is incomplete. The current framework doesn't yet provide the flexibility and protection that Western charities benefit from.
Lack of Transparency: Many existing charities in China are criticized for their opaque operations. Without clear communication about their finances and the impact of their work, it’s difficult to build public trust, which in turn limits their ability to grow and attract donations.
Limited Private Sector Involvement: While Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is well-established in the West, it is still a nascent concept in China. Chinese companies often focus solely on profit, with little regard for their social responsibilities. For example, while wealthy business owners in Fujian province spend lavishly on private events, few would consider donating comparable amounts to charitable causes.
International Collaboration: Another challenge lies in integrating international cooperation for the public good. While foreign NGOs are often welcomed in China for their material aid, there is a tendency to resist the Western values that underpin their work. This creates an ambiguous situation, limiting the influence of international organizations on Chinese society.
A New Era for the Public Good
Despite these obstacles, China has made significant strides in fostering public good programs. As social awareness grows, more non-profit organizations are emerging, focusing on critical issues such as environmental protection, poverty alleviation, health, and education. These organizations are playing a vital role in redistributing resources for the public good and, in doing so, are helping to shape a new consciousness in Chinese society.
At this moment in history, where inequality is growing globally, China's efforts to strengthen its public good sector could have a profound impact. As more Chinese citizens, especially returnees, take on the mantle of civic responsibility, there is hope that the country will see a shift toward a more collective mindset—one where social responsibility is shared by all.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
For those of us who studied or worked abroad, we have both a unique opportunity and a civic responsibility to help spread progressive ideas and social awareness in China. Much like our ancestors who travelled overseas in the early 20th century and brought back ideas that helped build a new republic, we, too, can contribute to the development of the public good in our way.
As Gandhi warned of the dangers of wealth without work, pleasure without conscience, and commerce without morality, we must be vigilant. If we truly want to see change, we must first embody it ourselves. As Gandhi famously said, "Be the change you want to see in the world."