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2021

  • in podcast
  • 3 min read

A Brief History of My Childhood

Welcome to Continuous Improvement, the podcast where we explore the journey of personal growth and development. I'm your host, Victor, and in today's episode, we're diving into the story of my life. From my humble beginnings to the experiences that have shaped me, we'll take a journey through the ups and downs that led me to where I am today.

Let's start at the beginning, with my mother. She's the reason I'm here, the one who made the choice to bring me into this world. They say I was more of an accident than a planned child, but my mother saw value in the miracle of life and decided to give me a chance. She's an accountant, a problem-solver, and instilled in me the belief that money isn't everything, but everything needs money. While she may not hold a formal degree, I consider her a smart person who taught me the importance of education and critical thinking.

Life has its fair share of joys and sorrows, and for me, it started with the loss of my maternal grandfather to lung cancer. He was a vibrant man, known for his cooking skills, but he had a weakness for cigarettes. He believed in living life on his own terms, even if it meant sacrifices. While I wish he had made different choices, I respect his commitment to personal happiness, even at the expense of his health.

Both of my parents played a significant role in shaping who I am today. My intelligence comes from my mother, while my physical appearance owes itself to my father. My mother was strict, sometimes even using a clothes hanger for discipline. On the other hand, my father was more lenient, except when it came to internet usage. He'd turn off the router at midnight to keep me from staying up late browsing the web. His own interests in technology and computer games fostered my passion for all things tech, ultimately leading me to a career as a software engineer.

Childhood isn't without its challenges, and for me, it was navigating social circles. While most kids were obsessed with Pokémon, I found solace in books. Chinese history and the tales of ancient heroes fascinated me, sparking my imagination. I often daydreamed about being a wise advisor to an emperor, guiding the nation to prosperity. But as a shy and reserved child, my closest friends were often other unpopular or bullied students. I couldn't stand seeing injustice, especially when it came to those who were physically frail like my best friend, who always seemed to be a target for bullies.

As I reflect on my school years, a vibrant mix of memories come to mind. I attended a Catholic primary school where daily prayers were the norm. While it didn't convert me to Catholicism, it did teach me the value of kindness. The diverse student body, including those from lower-income households, showed me the importance of understanding and empathy. It was there that I realized the impact of our choices and the power of a supportive community.

Not all memories are pleasant, though. One particular P.E. teacher, Mrs. Chan, stood out for her excessive makeup and overpowering perfume. The mere scent she carried struck fear into the hearts of her students. Unfortunately, I fell victim to unfair punishment when I was blamed for using hair gel, which I hadn't. Moments like these made me question the educational system and wonder if there could be a better way to foster learning and growth.

Looking back at my formative years, I'm filled with gratitude for the experiences that shaped me into the person I am today. It's a blend of blessings and challenges that have taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of continuous improvement. Join me in future episodes as we delve into various topics of personal growth and development, learning from inspiring individuals and experts along the way.

Thank you for joining me on this first episode of Continuous Improvement. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to stay up to date with new episodes. Remember, life is a journey of growth, and together, we can strive for continuous improvement.

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

我的童年簡史

我的人生故事自然從我的母親開始，沒有她，我就不可能存在，也不可能寫這篇文章。在我出生之前，我對我周圍的世界一無所知。根據我的母親的說法，我更像是一個意外，而不是一個計劃中的孩子 --- 這可能由我是獨生子女，且我所有的阿姨都沒有孩子，來支持這個說法。我的母親本可以選擇墮胎，但她決定不做，將生命視為一種奇蹟。我誕生於七月三十一日，幸運地走過了嬰兒期。我早期的記憶很模糊，但我母親的一些語句，比如「金錢不是一切，但一切都需要金錢」，使我記憶深刻。作為一名會計師，她很注重教育和解決問題的能力。她認為我的聰明才智來自她的基因貢獻，而忽視了我父親的作用。雖然她沒有正式的大學學位，但我認為她是一個聰明的人。

當我只有幾歲的時候，我母親的父親因肺癌去世。他是一個很好的廚師，擁有活力四溢的個性，但他也是一個重度的吸煙者。儘管有健康警告，他選擇繼續吸煙，並說他寧願年輕就死，也不願放棄這個習慣。雖然我希望他可以作出不同的選擇，但我尊重他的生活方式：即使冒著傷害健康的風險，也要追求個人的快樂。

我非常感激我的父母。雖然我的聰明可能來自我的母親，但我的外貌可能來自我的父親。我認為我很幸運可以得到他們兩者的特質。我的母親對我比較嚴格，經常用衣架懲罰我，而我父親一般比較寬容。他唯一的嚴格規定就是關於互聯網的使用：凌晨他會關掉路由器，以阻止我深夜上網。我父親對電腦遊戲和電子工程的興趣影響了我對技術的熱愛，並促使我現在成為一名軟件工程師。

在我小學的時候，寵物小精靈（神奇寶貝）很流行。但諷刺的是，我從未看過一集，這使得我很難與那些喜歡這部動畫的同學交流。我並不參與關於寵物小精靈的討論，而是選擇當一名圖書館志願者，並用我的空閒時間來讀書。我對中國歷史十分著迷，尤其是古代英雄的故事。有時，我會想像自己成為皇帝的賢臣，引領國家步入繁榮。

我小學是一所天主教學校，我們每天都要禱告。雖然這種經歷並沒有讓我轉信天主教，但它確實教會我善良的價值。這所學校靠近我的家，有來自各種背景的學生就讀，其中包括一些來自低收入家庭的學生。我們的老師建議我們遠離麻煩，尤其是鑑於附近中學的名聲。

在社交上，我是一個害羞的孩子，學業成績出眾但在人前保持矜持。因此，我最親密的朋友經常是其他不受歡迎或被欺凌的學生。我其中一位最好的朋友是早產兒，他的身體虛弱使他成為欺凌者的目標 --- 這是我覺得非常不公平的情況。

在我學校的記憶中，有一個我最鮮明的記憶就是對陳老師的恐懼，她是一位以過多的化妝和強烈的香水聞名的體育老師。她的氣味就足以讓人感到恐懼。有一次，我因為據稱使用了髮膠，而被不公平地懲罰，其實我只是用水來塑造我的髮型。這些事情使我把學校比作一所監獄，而非一個學習的地方，我經常懷疑如果有一個不同的教育系統，會不會更適合我。

回顧過去，我意識到我的成長歷程既有幸福，也有挑戰。儘管有起伏，但我對塑造我為今日之我的經歷心懷感激。

  • 3 min read

The Importance of Public Speaking

What is your greatest phobia? For some, it's a fear of dogs or spiders, but many of us are terrified of public speaking. The concern about being judged or ridiculed is constant. Recognizing its importance, I have enrolled in a course to hone my public speaking skills. This is a vital skill to master as it impacts us on three levels: personal, professional, and societal.

My fear of public speaking came into sharp focus when I saw a girl cry before she could even speak on a topic. This dedicated student, who aspires to be a diplomatic translator, was paralyzed by her fear. She is intelligent and fully capable of speaking, yet she found herself unable to do so.

Moved by empathy, I felt her fear but couldn't do anything to help. Her mother, initially proud and filming her daughter's attempted speech, eventually lost patience. The girl's eyes moistened and tears began to flow. The longer she waited, the more pressure she felt. How can we overcome such debilitating fear? Allow me to share my experience.

Personal Level: Public speaking can elevate your personal brand and visibility. Although I am an introvert, I understand the power of speaking up in class or meetings. The hesitation to ask questions, especially prevalent in Asian classrooms, isn't because students lack curiosity; it's the fear of appearing foolish. As the saying goes, "You may look foolish for five minutes for asking a question, but you'll be a fool forever if you don't." Taking the initiative to speak up builds confidence and leaves a positive impression on others, providing an advantage in both school and life.

Professional Level: In my role as an Engineering Manager, communication is my primary responsibility, not coding. A manager needs to effectively communicate with the team, inspire them, write reports, update senior executives, and impress clients. Recently, I successfully presented my company's product to the CEO of a digital bank and an audience of seventy people. Mastering public speaking is essential for my professional growth.

Societal Level: Public speaking can be a powerful tool for enacting change. Whether you're part of the Red Cross, Boy Scouts, or any other organization, you need to convey a clear message and shared vision. Take climate change advocates like Bill Gates, Greta Thunberg, or even Leonardo DiCaprio; their effective communication has helped mobilize public opinion. Speaking compellingly allows you to share crucial messages and effect change on a societal level.

In conclusion, while I may not be the world's best public speaker, I am passionate about it. Though I couldn't encourage the crying girl in that moment, I hope she continues to strive for improvement. Mastering public speaking offers opportunities on personal, professional, and societal levels. Don't wait for the right moment; create it by honing your ability to speak in front of groups.

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  • 2 min read

The Importance of Public Speaking

Welcome to another episode of Continuous Improvement! I'm your host, Victor, and today we'll be diving into a topic that strikes fear into the hearts of many: public speaking. We'll explore the personal, professional, and societal impact of mastering this essential skill. But before we begin, I want to share a story that inspired me to confront my own fear of speaking in front of others.

One day, I witnessed a young girl on the verge of delivering a speech. She aspired to become a diplomatic translator, and her dedication was evident. However, her fear of public speaking overwhelmed her, leaving her unable to find her voice. It was a heart-wrenching moment as I empathized with her struggle. Despite her intelligence and capabilities, she couldn't overcome the paralyzing fear of being judged.

This experience made me realize the importance of overcoming this fear for our personal growth. Public speaking is more than just a skill; it's a tool that can elevate our personal brand and visibility. As an introvert myself, I understand the hesitation to speak up in meetings or classrooms. But we must remember that being silent can hinder our opportunities for growth. Asking questions, sharing ideas, and voicing our thoughts not only builds confidence but also leaves a lasting impression on others.

Moving on to the professional level, public speaking plays a crucial role in our careers. Whether you're a manager like myself or an aspiring professional, effective communication is key. As an Engineering Manager, my primary responsibility is not coding but rather clear and impactful communication. From inspiring my team, writing reports, updating senior executives, to impressing clients, public speaking skills are essential for professional growth.

But public speaking isn't just about personal and professional advancement; it also has societal implications. Take, for example, influential figures like Bill Gates, Greta Thunberg, or even Leonardo DiCaprio. Their powerful speeches on topics like climate change have helped mobilize public opinion and initiate meaningful change. By harnessing the power of public speaking, we too can share crucial messages and inspire others to join us in creating a better world.

In conclusion, while none of us may be the world's best public speaker, we can all strive for improvement. Don't let the fear of being judged or ridiculed hold you back. Seize the opportunity to enhance your personal, professional, and societal impact by honing your public speaking abilities. Remember, it's not about being flawless; it's about having the courage to speak up, share your ideas, and make a difference.

That's all for today's episode of Continuous Improvement. Thank you for joining me, and I hope you found inspiration in the power of public speaking. Don't forget to tune in next time for more insightful discussions on personal and professional growth. Until then, keep striving to become the best version of yourself. Take care and keep improving!

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

公眾演講的重要性

你最大的恐懼是什麼？對有些人來說，可能是對狗或蜘蛛的恐懼，但許多人卻對公共演講感到恐懼。人們不斷擔心自己會被評判或嘲笑。意識到這一點的重要性，我報名參加了一門磨練公共演講技巧的課程。這是一項重要的技能，因為它影響到我們的三個層面：個人、專業和社會。

當我看到一個女孩因為恐懼而在開始演講之前就哭了出來時，我對公共演講的恐懼就變得非常明顯。這位專心致志的學生，她有志成為一名外交翻譯員，但她卻被恐懼所困。她聰明并完全有能力去說話，但她卻發現自己無法說出話來。

我被同情心所感動，我感到了她的恐懼，但卻無法做任何事情去幫助她。她的母親，最初對女兒的演講抱著驕傲的心情並拍摄下來，最后卻失去了耐心。那個女孩的眼睛濕潤了，淚水開始流下。她等待的時間越長，她感到的壓力就越大。我們怎樣才能克服這種病態的恐懼呢？讓我來分享我的經驗。

個人層面： 公眾演講可以提升你的個人品牌和可見度。雖然我是一個內向的人，但我理解在課堂或會議上發言的力量。在亞洲的教室裡，學生們不願意發問，並不是因為他們缺乏好奇心，而是他們害怕看起來愚蠢。俗話說得好，"問一個問題你可能會傻五分鐘，但如果你不問，你可能一輩子都是傻子。"主動發言可以增強自信，並在他人心中留下良好的印象，這在學校和生活中都是一種優勢。

專業層面： 在我作為工程經理的角色中，溝通是我的主要職責，而不是編程。一個經理需要有效地與團隊溝通，激勵他們，撰寫報告，向高級主管報告，並給客戶留下深刻的印象。最近，我成功地向一家數字銀行的CEO和70人的觀眾展示了我的公司的產品。熟練掌握公共演說對我的專業成長至關重要。

社會層面： 公眾演講可以是推動變革的強大工具。無論你是紅十字會，童子軍，還是任何其他組織的一員，你都需要傳達清晰的信息和共享的願景。像比爾·蓋茨，格蕾塔·桑伯格，或者甚至是萊昂納多·狄卡皮奧這樣的氣候變化倡導者，他們有效的溝通有助於動員公眾意見。有說服力的演說讓你能夠分享關鍵的信息，並在社會層面上產生變革。

結語，雖然我可能不是世界上最好的公眾演講者，但我對此充滿熱情。儘管我在當時沒有鼓勵那個哭泣的女孩，但我希望她能繼續努力提高。精通公眾演講在個人，專業和社會層面上都提供了機會。不要等待合適的時機;通過磨練你在群眾面前講話的能力來創造它。

  • 3 min read

How to Tell Your Colleague About a Body Odor Issue

One of the most challenging conversations involves informing a coworker that his body odor is affecting the entire department. I, along with several of my coworkers, have been enduring this issue, but someone has to address it, even though it's an uncomfortable subject. So, how should you approach it? I advocate a mix of initiating and supportive communication methods.

This situation began a few months ago when our company hired a new employee named K.K. After an online interview, K.K. seemed to be a friendly individual who always wore a smile. He came across as personable and had a range of engaging hobbies, such as basketball.

However, upon our first in-person meeting, I noticed that something was amiss. K.K.'s scent was unpleasant, to say the least. I had organized a welcome meal for him so that everyone in the department could get acquainted. As soon as he arrived, a foul, fish-like odor became evident. Initially, I attributed it to the air conditioning and we proceeded with our team lunch.

As time passed, the smell seemed to intensify. My colleague Cherry, who was seated next to me, texted me discreetly via WhatsApp, asking, "Hey Victor, do you smell that too?" I read her message, glanced back at her, and we both chuckled.

Then K.K. joined our table and asked, "What's so funny? Can you share the joke with me?" Cherry replied, "No, it's nothing," effectively killing the conversation. Others began to laugh as well, further isolating K.K., who appeared puzzled. "Can someone share the humor with me?" he queried. His question elicited more laughter. At that moment, I knew I had to act.

So what would you do in this scenario? There are four types of communication styles: direct, initiating, supportive, and analytical. Let's say you prefer straightforward communication. You might directly tell K.K., "Hey, you have a noticeable body odor. Could you shower more often?" While this approach may be efficient and effective, it could also offend K.K.

I prefer to avoid confrontation. I'm concerned about the repercussions for K.K. He might misinterpret our laughter and think we're making fun of him. Worst-case scenario, this could lead to a complaint to Human Resources. Using an analytical communication style might not offend K.K., but he could miss the point entirely. In that case, the problem remains unresolved.

Instead, I opt for a proactive and supportive approach. First, I schedule a convenient time for a one-on-one conversation with K.K. The goal is to create a comfortable space for open dialogue.

Second, regardless of your communication style, it's crucial to frame the conversation with sincerity. I need to be clear, saying, "K.K., I'm bringing this up to find a solution, not to criticize you." My intention is to help him out of genuine concern.

Third, I politely outline the issue and ask for his perspective. "K.K., are you aware of this? Is there a medical reason for the body odor? Is there anything we can do to help you improve your hygiene?" This allows him to express his concerns and make his own choices.

This method proved effective. K.K. was not offended and even thanked me a few days later, mentioning that he had consulted a doctor. My coworkers were relieved, and the issue of the offensive odor was resolved. I successfully navigated the conversation using both leading and supportive communication styles.

Life demands flexibility and the use of different styles of communication for various situations. We cannot force change upon someone; it's all in how we communicate. By choosing the right tone, I was able to assist K.K. and make a positive impact on the situation.

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  • 2 min read

How to Tell Your Colleague About a Body Odor Issue

Hello, and welcome to "Continuous Improvement," the podcast that explores personal and professional growth strategies to help you thrive in every aspect of your life. I'm your host, Victor, and today we'll be discussing a topic that many of us find uncomfortable: how to address a sensitive issue with a coworker. Specifically, we'll explore the scenario of dealing with a coworker's body odor.

Imagine you're sitting in your office, surrounded by your coworkers, when you start to notice an unpleasant smell. You discreetly check with your colleagues, and it turns out you're not the only one experiencing this. So, what do you do next?

In a recent blog post, I shared my personal experience with this exact situation. Let's call our coworker K.K. -- a new employee who brought a rather unpleasant odor into our department. It was a challenging conversation to initiate, but it had to be done.

Now, there are several communication styles we can adopt in such situations: direct, initiating, supportive, and analytical. My preferred approach is a mix of initiating and supportive communication methods.

Instead of embarrassing K.K. in front of others or using an analytical approach that might miss the mark, I scheduled a one-on-one conversation with him at a convenient time. This allowed us to have an open and comfortable dialogue.

During our conversation, I framed the issue with sincerity, making it clear that my intention was to help him, not criticize him. I wanted to find a solution together. This supportive approach created a safe space for K.K. to share his perspective.

I asked if he was aware of the issue and if there might be a medical reason for the body odor. I also asked if there was anything we could do to help him improve his hygiene. By involving him in the conversation and showing genuine concern, I was able to assist him without offending him.

The outcome was positive. K.K. appreciated my approach and even thanked me later for bringing it to his attention. He had consulted a doctor, and the offensive odor was eventually resolved.

This experience taught me an important lesson -- that our choice of communication style can greatly impact the outcome of sensitive conversations. By being proactive, supportive, and maintaining a respectful tone, we can navigate these uncomfortable situations effectively and make a positive impact.

Remember, life demands flexibility and the ability to adapt our communication styles to different scenarios. We should aim to assist others rather than force change upon them.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Continuous Improvement." I hope you found value in our discussion on addressing sensitive issues at work. Stay tuned for future episodes where we'll explore more strategies for personal and professional growth.

If you have any questions or topics you'd like us to cover, feel free to reach out to us through our website or social media channels. Until next time, keep striving for continuous improvement in all areas of your life.

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

如何告訴你的同事關於體味問題

告訴同事他的體味影響到整個部門，這是最具挑戰性的談話之一。我和我的幾位同事都在忍受這個問題，但總有人要提出來，即使這是一個令人不舒服的話題。那麼，你應該如何處理這個問題呢？我主張混合使用主動和支援性的溝通方式。

這個情況是幾個月前我們公司聘請了一位名叫K.K.的新員工時開始的。在一次線上面試後，K.K.似乎是一個總是帶著微笑的友善的人。他給人的印象很親切，並有一系列吸引人的愛好，如籃球。

然而，在我們第一次面對面的會議中，我發現了一些不對勁。K.K.的氣味至少可以說是不愉快的。我為他安排了一頓歡迎餐，以便部門中的每個人都能熟悉他。當他剛到達時，一種惡臭的、像魚的氣味就變得明顯。最初，我把它歸咎於空調，我們繼續進行我們的團隊午餐。

隨著時間的推移，這種氣味似乎變得越來越濃烈。坐在我旁邊的同事Cherry透過WhatsApp悄悄向我發了一條短信，問：「嘿，Victor，你也聞到那個味道了嗎？」我讀了她的信息，回過頭看著她，我們兩個都笑了。

然後K.K.加入了我們的桌子，問：「有什麼好笑的？你能跟我分享那個笑話嗎？」Cherry回答說：「沒有，沒事，」有效地打斷了對話。其他人也開始笑了，進一步孤立了K.K.，他看起來有些迷惑。「有人能和我分享這種幽默嗎？」他問道。他的問題引發了更多的笑聲。那一刻，我知道我必須採取行動。

那麼，在這種情況下你會怎麼做呢？有四種類型的溝通風格：直接的、開創的、支援的和分析的。比如你喜歡直接的溝通方式，你可能會直接告訴K.K.：「嘿，你有體味。你能多洗澡嗎？」雖然這種方法可能是有效的，但也可能冒犯了K.K.

我寧願避免衝突。我擔心這會對K.K.產生影響。他可能會誤解我們的笑聲，以為我們在取笑他。最壞的情況，他可能會向人力資源部門投訴。使用分析的溝通風格可能不會冒犯K.K.，但他可能完全不明白我們的意思。在這種情況下，問題仍然得不到解決。

相反，我選擇了一種主動和支援的方法。首先，我安排了一個與K.K.進行一對一談話的適宜時間。目標是創造一個能夠開放對話的舒適空間。

第二，不論你的溝通風格如何，以誠心誠意引導整個談話都是至關重要的。我需要讓自己的意圖表達得清楚明確，說：「K.K.，我提出這個問題是為了找到解決辦法，而不是為了批評你。」我的目的是出於真正的關心來幫助他。

第三，我禮貌地說明了問題，並問他的看法。「K.K.，你有意識到這個問題嗎？體味的原因是醫學上的原因嗎？我們能對你的衛生習慣有所幫助嗎？」這讓他有機會表達他的擔憂並做出自己的選擇。

這種方法被證明是有效的。K.K.並不感到冒犯，而且幾天後他甚至感謝我，提到他已經去看過醫生。我的同事得到了解脫，而體味問題也得到了解決。我成功地用領導和支援性的溝通風格來處理這次對話。

生活需要靈活性和適應各種情況的不同溝通風格。我們不能強迫他人接受變化；這全在於我們的溝通方式。通過選擇正確的語氣，我能夠協助K.K並對這個情況產生積極的影響。

  • 3 min read

Be Skeptical

Imagine being in North Korea. How skeptical would you be of what you witness every day? Is the Kim family's rule divine? Is South Korea evil due to American influence? Could people possibly be grateful for this dictatorship?

Understanding life in North Korea becomes easier after watching interviews with defectors like Park Yeon-mi. Her book "To Live" describes the abysmal conditions in the country. While you might already be aware that North Korea is a challenging place to live, comprehending the extent of its hardships based solely on facts and figures is difficult.

Living in the developed world provides a completely different perspective. It’s important to realize that North Korea lacks basic freedoms, such as electricity, freedom of speech, and press freedom. One needs compassion to truly grasp the plight of North Koreans.

If you were born in such a restricted environment, would you question this parallel universe? I hope not, because questioning the legitimacy of the Kim family's rule could lead to severe consequences, including imprisonment for you, your family, and future generations.

What would happen if you started wondering why China, just across the river, always seems bright while North Korea is submerged in darkness? Merely expressing such thoughts could be dangerous. You might be reported to the secret police by friends or neighbors, especially if you were caught consuming foreign media. The result could be years in prison.

Being skeptical and thinking about how to sell products at a higher price—essentially thinking like a capitalist—could be considered a violation of communist beliefs. Since all property is state-owned, even your act of selling is illegal. Shockingly, even your waste is considered state property, to be used as fertilizer.

If you found yourself in such circumstances and chose to be skeptical, escaping might cross your mind. Although a tough decision, it might be your only way to discover that much of what you've been taught is a lie. Words like "freedom," "democracy," and "bank accounts" would be entirely new concepts for you.

Even those fortunate enough to live in developed countries should remain skeptical. Question everything. Listen to multiple perspectives and change your views when the evidence warrants it. How do you know, for example, that the vaccine you’re getting is safe? Or that a piece of news you've read online is accurate? Fact-checking and evidence-seeking are essential.

Being open-minded is crucial. I’m always willing to change my beliefs in the face of new evidence. Knowledge is transient; what we knew yesterday might be proven wrong tomorrow. It’s essential to apply what we learn, not just to know it.

Let's say you go to a circus and watch a performer swallow a sword. Do you believe it’s real? While entertainment is one thing, reality is another. We need to adjust our mindset according to the situation and teach our children to do the same.

The North Korean regime wouldn't survive without assistance from the Chinese Communist Party, which indirectly contributes to the suffering of the North Korean people. Many citizens in China who subscribe to a distorted interpretation of history could benefit from skepticism. They might question their government's support for the North Korean regime or ponder alternative political structures.

The point of this article is not to debate what's right or wrong but to emphasize the importance of maintaining a skeptical mindset. We should teach future generations to think critically, to ask "why," to engage in debates, and to weigh the pros and cons of different viewpoints. Tyrannies and dictatorships don't allow such discussions; authority is never questioned, and history is rewritten by the victors.

In societies where political correctness dominates, opportunities for skepticism are limited. Open dialogue should be encouraged, even if the opinions are controversial. Ultimately, it all comes down to asking ourselves "Why?" This question equips us to face life's challenges more effectively. Being skeptical ensures that you are less likely to be deceived.

  • in podcast
  • 3 min read

Be Skeptical

Welcome to Continuous Improvement, the podcast where we explore the power of questioning, critical thinking, and personal growth. I'm your host, Victor, and in today's episode, we'll delve into the importance of maintaining a skeptical mindset. We'll discuss the significance of questioning authority, engaging in open dialogue, and seeking evidence to make informed decisions.

But before we begin, I'd like you to imagine something truly challenging – being in North Korea. How skeptical would you be of what you witness every day? Would you question the legitimacy of the ruling Kim family or the influence of South Korea and the United States? Could you possibly find gratitude in living under a dictatorship?

Understanding life in North Korea becomes easier when we listen to the stories of defectors like Park Yeon-mi. Her book, "To Live," describes the harsh realities of the country in a way that facts and figures alone cannot capture. It reminds us that basic freedoms such as electricity, freedom of speech, and press freedom, which we often take for granted, are absent in North Korea.

This stark contrast between our lives in the developed world and the hardships faced by North Koreans should evoke compassion within us. It should make us question our own assumptions and empathize with those whose freedoms are stripped away.

But skepticism goes beyond understanding the plight of others in totalitarian regimes. It's also crucial for those of us living in developed countries. We must question everything, from the safety of vaccines to the accuracy of news we consume online. Fact-checking and evidence-seeking should be our guiding principles.

I believe in the power of being open-minded. Like a rudder on a ship, our beliefs should be adjusted when faced with new evidence. Knowledge is transient, and what we knew yesterday might be proven wrong tomorrow. It's not enough to simply know; we must apply what we learn and adapt our perspectives accordingly.

Imagine attending a circus and witnessing a performer swallow a sword. Is it real, or is it just a skillful illusion? We need to be able to distinguish between entertainment and reality, embracing skepticism when necessary.

While skepticism is vital for individuals, it also has broader societal implications. Think of the North Korean regime surviving with support from the Chinese Communist Party. This raises questions about the distorted interpretation of history that some Chinese citizens might subscribe to. By encouraging skepticism, we can inspire critical thinking and challenge alternative political structures.

The goal here isn't to debate what's right or wrong but to emphasize the importance of maintaining a skeptical mindset. We must teach future generations to think critically, to ask "why," and to engage in debates that help weigh the pros and cons of different viewpoints. In societies where political correctness dominates, opportunities for skepticism are often limited. We must encourage open dialogue, even if the opinions we encounter are controversial.

It all comes down to asking ourselves, "Why?" This simple question equips us to face life's challenges more effectively, prevents us from being deceived, and helps us make informed decisions. Skepticism is the driving force behind continuous improvement, both on an individual level and as a society.

Thank you for joining me on this episode of Continuous Improvement. I encourage you to embrace skepticism, question everything, and remain open-minded in your pursuit of personal growth and knowledge.