Book Club with Jeffrey Sachs Season 3, Episode 4: Dr. David Daokui Li, China's World View: Demystifying China to Prevent Global Conflict
Feb 6, 2024
David Daokui Li, a prominent economist and director at Tsinghua University, sheds light on the complexities of Chinese politics and economics. He shares personal stories from the Cultural Revolution, highlighting how education became a beacon of hope during turbulent times. The discussion dives into China’s meritocratic political system and its historical identity, emphasizing the importance of cultural understanding between China and the U.S. Li calls for constructive relations, focusing on cooperation rather than conflict for a better global future.
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Exams to Harvard
- David Li excelled in nationwide exams, leading him to study at Tsinghua University.
- He then scored second highest on another exam, enabling him to apply to Harvard's PhD program.
Cultural Revolution Impact
- During the Cultural Revolution, six-year-old Li's diplomat parents were sent to the countryside to raise pigs.
- Despite the upheaval, Li still received an education, learning English at age nine.
Meritocracy and Its Limits
- China's meritocratic system, including exams, selects officials based on performance.
- This system fosters experience but lacks flexibility for rising stars like Jeffrey Sachs.
