In Five Minds for the Future, Howard Gardner, who coined the term ‘multiple intelligences’, tells us what qualities will define successful people of the near future. Only those with Respectful Minds, the ability to transcend identifying only with our immediate kind, will be able to establish the trust and common cause necessary for success in the global village. A person with a Respectful Mind “offers the benefit of the doubt to all human beings. As much as possible, she avoids thinking in group terms.”
A great exercise in cultivating the Respectful Mind lies in turning a contemplative eye to China. Could the most populous country, and by many accounts most monolithic, also be one of the most diverse? Could each of those 1.3 – however – many billion really be a unique world unto herself?
For practice material, we refer you to The Chinese, an exhibition running at the Paris-Beijing Photo Gallery from July 18th to September 12th. Two Swiss photographers, Mathias Brascler and Monika Fischer, spent the year before the Olympic Games traveling the length and breadth of China, thirty provinces, seeking always the individuality in the common.
Captured in portrait form, each subject is placed against a stylized background symbolizing his niche in the Middle Kingdom. Not a one of the odd two score subjects reminds you of another. Not a one is flashing the obligatory ‘victory’ sign. And not a one fails to reveal a unique soul, worthy of respect, sparkling behind dark eyes.
A young acrobat from Wuqiao
Xinmin, truck mechanic from Liaoning
Su Zhenglin, Shanxi coal miner
Prostitute from Shenzhen
Beggar from Shenzhen
Tibetan family from Qinghai’s Kunlun Mountains
Plastic recycler from Guiyang
Oil field worker from Daqing, Heilonjiang
Professional Chiang Kai Shek actor
More info on the exhibition and the Paris Beijing Photo Gallery
Beautiful and very evocative pictures. Full of life.
how age for the truck mechanic from liaoning? he seems enjoy and skillful truck mechanic on the picture. all of your pic is great, especially for the prostitute.
Lots of mechanics in China aren't old enough to drink.
Beautiful and very evocative pictures. Full of life.
Beautiful and very evocative pictures. Full of life.
how age for the truck mechanic from liaoning? he seems enjoy and skillful truck mechanic on the picture
14
He seems enjoy and skillful truck mechanic on the picture. all of your pic is great.
These photos represent a broad range of the Chinese population – a picture is definitely worth a thousand words.
Mathias Brascler and Monika Fischer, spent the year before the Olympic Games traveling the length and breadth of China, thirty provinces, seeking always the individuality in the common. Dog Life Jacket
I'm only leaving that last plagiaristic comment up because, in a field bristling with fierce competition, it is by far the most ridiculous product/service ever advertised on this site.
Wow, the Chinese people looks very strong.
Thanks
to be very honest, i really LOVE chinese people because they are not just hard-worker but also peach LOVER people. LOVE you china, we wish you all the best !!!
Shouldn't you be busy preventing in-debt expats from fleeing your country, instead of searching the world for peach lovers!? BTW, I'm willing to trade a box of Chinese peaches for a two bedroom pied-a-terre overlooking the Burj.
He seems enjoy and skillful truck mechanic on the picture. all of your pic is great.
car insurance quotes
You ought to increase web traffic to this site, Gerry.
Great pictures. I also have Chinese descent in me. I am just curious on some of the person in the photos (the mechanic and the acrobat) as they look so young to be legally working, is this common in China?
The prostitute from Shen Zhen is a classic.
I am from the Philippines and I truly see the distinction between the Chinese and the non-Chinese. I am very proud of my Chinese heritage.
The different faces of Chinese. Different backgrounds, from different walks of life. The photos captured them all. Bravo!
These are really the various faces of Chinese. Very intriguing.
I couldn't tell you, but just go to Tiananmen Square and keep asking the women how much, and the problem should be taken care of.