Home

My Career Transition to Software Engineer

Welcome to "Continuous Improvement," the podcast where we explore stories of personal growth and resilience. I'm your host, Victor, and in today's episode, we'll be diving into an incredible journey of perseverance and determination.

But before we get started, I want to remind our listeners to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review if you enjoy the content. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Now, let's jump right into today's story. In 2014, our protagonist received devastating news – their work visa application for Australia had been rejected. This rejection meant leaving behind a job opportunity and saying goodbye to friends in Brisbane. It was a difficult setback, but our protagonist refused to let that define their future.

Returning to Hong Kong, jobless and faced with a diminishing social status, our protagonist realized that they needed to pivot their career. They decided to invest their savings in a coding bootcamp, hoping it would open up opportunities in a field they were passionate about – digital marketing. However, the bootcamp experience ended up being disheartening, with minimal returns and an unpaid internship as the only outcome.

Undeterred, our protagonist faced another crossroads – return to Australia for a master's degree in marketing or enroll in another bootcamp, this time in the U.S. Choosing the latter, they were once again faced with visa denial. But that only fueled their determination to complete the course online, despite the toll it took on their mental health.

Finally, their efforts paid off. After mastering challenging programming concepts, our protagonist received multiple job offers and accepted a position as a full-time software engineer with an Australian consulting firm in Hong Kong. Their journey was far from over, as they encountered difficult personalities and toxic work environments along the way. But they persisted, finding satisfaction in the work they accomplished and forming meaningful connections.

And just when it seemed like the rollercoaster ride might continue indefinitely, our protagonist was approached for a position at a prestigious consulting firm, leading to a significant salary increase. Now, they are working on a fintech project for HSBC bank, marking yet another exciting chapter in their life.

It's a remarkable journey of continuous improvement, taking setbacks and turning them into opportunities for growth. Our protagonist's story reminds us that even in the face of rejection and adversity, it's crucial to stay resilient and keep moving forward.

So, what can we learn from this journey? Join me in the next segment as we explore the key themes and takeaways from this inspiring story of personal growth.

[MID-EPISODE BREAK]

Welcome back to "Continuous Improvement." In today's episode, we've been exploring the incredible journey of our protagonist, who transformed from a rejected visa applicant to a successful software engineer.

Throughout this story, there are several key themes that stand out. First and foremost, the power of resilience. Despite facing rejection and setbacks at every turn, our protagonist never gave up. They continued to pursue their passions and push through difficult circumstances, even when it seemed like the odds were stacked against them.

Another crucial theme in this journey is the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement. Our protagonist invested their savings in coding bootcamps and went to great lengths to master challenging programming concepts. They sought out opportunities for growth, both through formal education and through their own determination to succeed. This commitment to learning not only helped them secure job offers but also allowed them to adapt and thrive in various work environments.

Lastly, this story highlights the significance of having a support system. Our protagonist's mother played a crucial role in their journey, providing financial support and unwavering belief in their potential. It's a reminder that having someone in our corner, believing in us, can make all the difference during challenging times.

As we wrap up today's episode, let's reflect on the lessons we can take away from this remarkable journey. Resilience, continuous learning, and a supportive network – all of these elements are crucial in our own paths of personal growth and improvement.

Remember, setbacks are not the end of the road. They are merely opportunities for us to rise, adapt, and become better versions of ourselves.

Thank you for joining me today on "Continuous Improvement." If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. And remember, no matter where you are on your journey, keep striving for continuous improvement.

This is Victor, signing off until the next episode.

我的職業轉型為軟體工程師

在2014年，我收到了改變生活的消息：我為澳洲所申請的工作簽證被拒絕了。在那裡度過了一年的工作假期並在布里斯班獲得一份市場經理的工作延長期的工作機會後，我的希望被粉碎了。因為我缺乏紮實的市場營銷背景和相關的學位，所以當局拒絕了我的申請。結果，我不得不離開該國，向朋友和同事道別，再也不會再見到他們。

我在香港失業地回來。許多公司並不重視我作為助理市場經理的經驗。我不想再回到我的實驗室工作。在發送了大量的簡歷沒有任何回應後，我意識到失業最可怕的部分不是缺少金錢，而是失去了社會地位。在香港見我的朋友們變得困難起來。

為了改變我的道路，我投入我的積蓄參加了一個昂貴的編碼訓練營。它承諾三個月的密集訓練和有很高可能性獲得一份編程工作，這對於像我這樣對數字營銷有熱情的人來說似乎是理想的。然而，經歷令人心寒。由於我的導師慵懶和富裕的同學們並不與我有相同的緊迫感，投資回報微乎其微。我大部分的學習都在深夜獨自進行。更糟的是，我最後得到的是一份無薪的實習，而不是一份全職工作。

在訓練營結束後，我面臨另一個十字路口。我可以選擇回到澳洲攻讀市場營銷碩士學位，或者在美國報名另一個訓練營。我選擇了後者，並成功進入該國的頂級編碼學校。然而，我的簽證再次被拒絕。我決定從香港在線完成這個課程，晚上學習，白天睡覺。我的心理健康惡化了，但我的母親在金錢上支持了我，讓我感到既感激又充滿罪惡感。

然而，這次，我的努力終於得到了回報。在掌握了像遞歸這樣的挑戰性概念後，我在十份申請中獲得了九個工作機會。即使薪水比美國的同行低，我還是接受了一份在香港的澳洲顧問公司的全職軟體工程師職位。這份工作讓我有機會參與高調的項目，但它也教給我有關客戶型工作波動性的艱難課程。

後來，我被指派為一家初創公司開發一款應用程序的工作，但由於產品所有者的困難個性，這次經歷變成了不愉快的經驗。我最終離開，加入了一家大型國際軟體公司，在那裡我參加了香港最好的航空公司的一個項目。然而，由於管理不善和海外開發的挑戰，工作環境變得很惡劣。然而，我結交了很好的朋友，並對我們一起完成的工作感到滿意。

最近，一位獵頭向我介紹了一家著名諮詢公司的職位。我毫不猶豫就接受了這個提議，這也帶來了薪水的提高。目前，我在匯豐銀行內部工作，參與一個金融科技項目，為我生活中又開啟了一個令人興奮的新篇章。

以上，就是我從被拒絕簽證申請者，到軟體工程師的旅程，一條充滿起伏但始終向前的道路。

My Memories in Brisbane

In 2013, I embarked on a working holiday in Australia that completely transformed my life. While studying chemistry as an undergraduate in Hong Kong, I had always dreamed of working abroad. However, opportunities for international exchange were limited. During a trip to Brisbane after finishing my last exam and before officially graduating, I worked as a volunteer at a tourist adventure center. This experience was enriching; I made new friends, hugged koalas, and spent quality time on the beach.

I remember sitting on the Gold Coast, basking in the sunshine, and contemplating the stark contrasts between life in Australia and Hong Kong. In Australia, people seemed to enjoy an enviable quality of life—lying on the beach, surfing, and living less stressful lives. Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, the fierce competition and cramped living conditions were constant stressors. I looked up at the sky, noticing how much bluer it was in Australia compared to Hong Kong.

Tears trickled down my cheeks as I wondered why I didn't deserve such a beautiful environment. I thought of an old Chinese tale that describes the disparities in living conditions for mice born in different settings. Inspired by Guan Zhong, who migrated for a better life and eventually became a successful chancellor, I decided to stay in Australia. Shortly after my internship, I was fortunate to receive a long-term job offer.

Upon returning briefly to Hong Kong, I secured my first full-time job as a test engineer at a German laboratory. Although my coworkers were pleasant, the work was monotonous and demanding. My duties included cutting plastic cups into standardized sizes, immersing them in various acidic solutions, and conducting multiple chemical tests. It was a tedious job with limited growth opportunities. Consequently, I resigned a few months later and decided to return to Brisbane, accepting a new role as an Assistant Marketing Manager.

My new job was demanding but fulfilling. Although my responsibilities ranged from social media marketing to janitorial tasks, I found it more satisfying than my previous role. I was lucky to live with a welcoming host family, Lindsey and Elisabeth Timms, who offered me affordable accommodation. I developed close relationships with other guests, including Japanese students learning English. My workplace was situated in Brisbane's city center, adjacent to the Brisbane River, and offered various activities like kayaking, rock climbing, and paddleboarding.

One unforgettable experience was working on New Year's Eve. While others celebrated, I was busy moving alcohol from the fridge to the venue and cleaning up after the event. It was a physically demanding and sometimes unpleasant job, but it gave me a sense of responsibility and purpose.

In addition to my regular duties, I handled a large market of Chinese visitors and local Chinese students, leveraging my fluency in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. I also participated in the production of tourist programs in Brisbane and enjoyed being a kayaking instructor. Even though the work was hard, especially when it involved multitasking across various roles, it was far more enjoyable than my previous job.

Through this experience, I enhanced the organization's online presence and grew our Twitter followership to 10,000, making our account the number one tourist destination on the platform. Though some tactics may be considered outdated now, they were highly effective at that time. My role made me realize that digital marketing was an area I wanted to explore further, setting the stage for my subsequent career as a website developer.

And so, the story continues in the next chapter.

My Memories in Brisbane

Welcome to "Continuous Improvement," the podcast where we explore personal growth, career development, and the pursuit of a fulfilling life. I'm your host, Victor, and in today's episode, we dive into the transformative journey of a young adventurer who discovered the power of continuous improvement.

In 2013, our protagonist embarked on a working holiday in Australia—a trip that would forever change their perspective on life. Studying chemistry in Hong Kong, they had always dreamt of working abroad, and Australia turned out to be the perfect destination to explore new opportunities.

As they soaked up the sunshine on the Gold Coast, our adventurer couldn't help but notice the stark contrasts between life in Australia and Hong Kong. The relaxed lifestyle, the enviable quality of life—it all seemed worlds apart from the hustle and bustle they were used to.

Inspired by an old Chinese tale and the story of Guan Zhong, who migrated for a better life and achieved success, our adventurer made a bold decision. They decided to stay in Australia, embracing the chance for growth and a brighter future.

Returning briefly to Hong Kong, they secured their first full-time job as a test engineer at a German laboratory. But despite a pleasant work environment, the job quickly became monotonous and offered limited growth opportunities. It became clear that a change was needed.

Returning to Brisbane, our adventurer took on a new role as an Assistant Marketing Manager. The responsibilities were demanding but fulfilling, as they embraced a wide range of tasks and built strong relationships with colleagues and fellow guests in their accommodation.

From working on New Year's Eve to handling a large market of Chinese visitors, they found purpose and fulfillment in their work, leveraging their language skills and exploring their passions. They even became a kayaking instructor, immersing themselves fully in the adventures life had to offer.

Through this experience, they discovered a passion for digital marketing and realized that website development was the path they wanted to pursue. They made significant contributions to their organization's online presence, growing their Twitter followership to an impressive 10,000.

And now, as the chapter closes on this part of their journey, our adventurer's story continues—filled with new challenges, opportunities for growth, and the ongoing pursuit of continuous improvement.

Join us next time as we explore the next chapter in our adventurer's life, learning from their experiences and gaining insights into how we can all embrace continuous improvement in our own lives.

Thank you for listening to "Continuous Improvement." I'm Victor, your host, and remember, no matter where you are on your journey, there's always room for growth. Until next time!

我的布里斯班回憶

在2013年，我踏上了在澳洲工作假期的歷程，徹底改變了我的人生。當我在香港唸大學時期修讀化學，我總是夢想出國工作。然而，出國交流的機會卻非常有限。最後一次考試結束和正式畢業前我去了布里斯班，並在一間遊客冒險中心當義工。這經驗讓我受益匪淺；我結交新朋友，擁抱考拉，並在海灘上度過了美好的時光。

我記得我坐在黃金海岸上，沐浴在陽光下，思考著澳洲和香港生活的鮮明對比。在澳洲，人們似乎享受著令人羨慕的生活品質——躺在海灘上，衝浪，過著壓力較少的生活。然而，在香港，激烈的競爭和擁擠的生活條件是不斷的壓力來源。我抬頭看天空，注意到澳洲的天空比香港的藍的多了。

我淚滴綻放，我在想為什麼我不值得這麼美麗的環境。我想到一個舊中國故事，描述了在不同環境下出生的老鼠的生活環境差距。受到管仲的啟發，他為了更好的生活而移居，最終成為了成功的丞相，我決定留在澳洲。我的實習不久之後，我很幸運得到了一份長期的工作提議。

在短暫回到香港後，我在一家德國實驗室得到了我的第一份全職工作，成為了一個測試工程師。雖然我的同事都很和善，但工作單調且要求高。我的工作包括將塑膠杯切成標準尺寸，將它們浸入各種酸性溶液中，並進行多種化學測試。這是一份單調且成長機會有限的工作。所以，我幾個月後辭職，決定返回布里斯班，接受了行銷助理經理的新工作。

我的新工作雖然要求高，但卻很有成就感。雖然我的責任範圍從社會媒體營銷到事務性工作，但我卻覺得它比我以前的工作更有趣。我很幸運的與一個熱情的寄宿家庭，Lindsey和Elisabeth Timms一起生活，他們提供了我價格合理的居住條件。我與其他客人包括正在學英文的日本學生建立了親密的關係。我的工作地點位於布里斯班市中心，靠近布里斯班河，提供了許多活動，如皮划艇，攀岩和划槳板。

一個難忘的經驗是在新年除夕時工作。當別人在慶祝時，我忙著將酒從冰箱搬到場地，並在活動後清理。這是一份體力上要求高且有時候不太舒服的工作，但它給了我一種責任和目標。

除了我平時的職責外，我還負責處理大規模中國遊客和當地中國學生的市場，利用我的廣東話、普通話和英語的流利。我還參與了在布里斯班的旅遊節目的製作，並很高興成為一個皮划艇教練。雖然工作辛苦，特別是在涉及到多種角色的多任務處理時，它比我以前的工作更加有趣。

通過這個經驗，我提升了組織的在線形象，並將我們的推特粉絲數量增加到10,000，使我們的賬戶成為該平台上的第一個旅遊目的地。雖然一些策略現在可能被認為已經過時，但在當時它們非常有效。我的角色讓我認識到，數字營銷是我想進一步探索的領域，為我後來成為一個網站開發者的職業生涯鋪平了道路。

所以，故事在下一章繼續。

My Time as an Undergraduate Student

I studied chemistry for three years and earned a bachelor's degree. The greatest conflict I faced was between ideals and reality. In an ideal world, I could devote all my time to scientific research. I became fascinated with quantum mechanics, the most challenging subject I had ever studied. Schrödinger's cat seemed counterintuitive in the microscopic realm, and the mathematics involved were incredibly complex, involving equations with multiple dimensions and variables.

However, I also had to consider the job market in Hong Kong, a global financial hub with limited industries. Many top students opted for business school to enhance their employment prospects, leaving morale extremely low among chemistry students. The coursework was challenging, and many instructors seemed more interested in their research than in teaching. There were a few exceptions, though; my favorite was Professor Chu Ming Chung from the physics department. He had studied under the renowned American physicist Richard Feynman and greatly expanded my understanding of Einstein's general theory of relativity, sparking my interest in the universe.

Outside of academics, I gained valuable experience volunteering with the student union. Unlike my high school's student union, which focused mainly on entertainment and shopping discounts, the university student union was deeply engaged in societal and political issues. Though most active members were public administration students, I was one of the few science students who participated. We engaged in intellectual discussions, debating the philosophy of justice and the equitable distribution of limited resources.

We also explored fundamental questions like the role of government and student unions, the necessity of democracy, and civic responsibilities. These discussions were conducted in an environment that welcomed diverse perspectives, though we recognized the risks associated with discussing sensitive topics like the Tiananmen Square protests.

I was particularly proud to be a part of the Chinese University of Hong Kong's New Asia College, founded by eminent Confucian scholars Qian Mu and Tang Chun I. They dedicated their lives to fighting communism and preserving Chinese culture. The school's ethos, focused on integrity, morality, and responsibility, had a profound impact on me.

During the summer, I traveled to the United States on a working holiday. The experience was eye-opening, from the cultural differences in public transportation to the Americans' open attitudes toward sexuality. Working a minimum-wage job selling souvenirs, I also learned valuable life and sales skills.

When I returned to Hong Kong, I faced various personal and career challenges. A long-distance relationship ended, and I struggled to find a fulfilling job. Eventually, I took a part-time job at Uniqlo, where the repetitive nature of the work led me to question the meaning of life and my educational choices.

Fortunately, I soon received a full-time job offer as a test engineer in a lab that assesses the chemical safety of food utensils. This role felt more aligned with my chemistry background and prompted less existential questioning. Before starting my new job, I took a life-changing trip to Australia, which I'll detail in the next chapter.

My Time as an Undergraduate Student

Hello, and welcome to "Continuous Improvement," the podcast where we explore personal and professional growth, share stories of overcoming challenges, and learn from inspiring individuals. I'm your host, Victor, and in today's episode, we'll dive into the journey of self-discovery and continuous improvement shared in the blog post "The Conflict Between Ideals and Reality."

Today, we follow the author's experiences as a chemistry student and the conflict they faced between their ideal world of scientific research and the reality of the job market. Graduating with a Bachelor's degree in chemistry, the author found themselves torn between their passion for quantum mechanics and the limited industries in their city, Hong Kong.

The coursework was challenging, and not all instructors were as passionate about teaching as the author hoped for. However, there was one exceptional physics professor, Professor Chu Ming Chung, who studied under the renowned Richard Feynman. This professor's teachings opened up the author's understanding of Einstein's general theory of relativity, sparking a deep interest in the vast universe.

But the author's university experience wasn't solely confined to academics. They found tremendous value in volunteering with the university student union. Engaging in intellectual discussions with public administration students, the author explored fundamental questions surrounding the role of government, democracy, and civic responsibilities.

The atmosphere encouraged diverse perspectives, though the risks of discussing sensitive topics like the Tiananmen Square protests were recognized. The author took pride in being a part of the Chinese University of Hong Kong's New Asia College, inspired by the ethos of integrity, morality, and responsibility.

A summer working holiday in the United States opened the author's eyes to cultural differences and broadened their understanding of different societies. Returning to Hong Kong, they faced personal and career challenges, such as the end of a long-distance relationship and difficulties in finding a fulfilling job. Taking a part-time position at Uniqlo, the author found themselves questioning the meaning of life and their educational choices amidst the repetitive nature of the work.

Nevertheless, a full-time job offer as a test engineer in a chemical safety lab assessing food utensils helped align their career path with their chemistry background, easing some of the existential questioning. But before starting this new chapter of their life, the author embarked on a life-changing trip to Australia.

And that concludes today's episode of "Continuous Improvement." We've journeyed through the author's conflict between ideals and reality, exploring their academic pursuits, volunteering experiences, and personal challenges. Join us next time as we delve into the transformative trip to Australia and the lessons learned along the way.

Thank you for listening to "Continuous Improvement." I'm Victor, your host, and remember, in the pursuit of growth and self-improvement, every step counts.

我的大學本科生涯

我花了三年時間學習化學，並獲得了學士學位。我面對的最大衝突是理想與現實之間的矛盾。在理想世界中，我可以將所有時間都用於科學研究。我對量子力學深深著迷，這是我曾經學習過的最具挑戰性的科目。薛定諤的貓在微觀世界中似乎違反直覺，而且涉及的數學非常複雜，涵蓋了帶有多個維度和變數的方程式。

然而，我也必須考慮香港的就業市場，這是一個僅有有限產業的全球金融中心。許多頂尖學生選擇商學院提升他們的就業前景，這讓化學學生的士氣低落。課程內容具有挑戰性，許多教師似乎對他們的研究比對教學更感興趣。然而，也有一些例外，我最喜歡的是物理系的朱銘鬆教授。他曾在著名美國物理學家理查德·費曼門下學習，並大大擴展了我對愛因斯坦廣義相對論的理解，引發了我對宇宙的興趣。

在學術之外，我在學生會做志願者獲得了寶貴的經驗。與我高中的學生會主要關注娛樂和購物折扣不同，大學的學生會深深地參與社會和政治問題。儘管大多數活躍成員都是公共行政學生，我是少數參與的理科學生之一。我們進行了智識討論，辯論正義哲學和有限資源的公平分配。

我們還探討了一些基本問題，例如政府和學生會的角色，民主的必要性，以及公民責任。這些討論在一個歡迎多元觀點的環境中進行，雖然我們認識到討論天安門廣場抗議事件等敏感話題的風險。

我為能夠成為中文大學新亞書院的一部分感到非常自豪，該書院是由知名儒家學者錢穆和唐君毅創立的。他們致力於對抗共產主義並保存中國文化。學校的精神，包括誠信、道德和責任，對我產生了深遠影響。

暑假期間，我到美國進行了工作假期。這次經驗讓我大開眼界，從公共交通的文化差異到美國人對性開放的態度。在最低工資的工作中銷售紀念品，我還學習了寶貴的生活和銷售技能。

當我回到香港時，我面臨了各種個人和職業上的挑戰。一段遙距戀情結束了，我努力尋找一份令人滿意的工作。最終，我在優衣庫找到了一份兼職工作，但工作的重複性讓我質疑人生的意義和我的教育選擇。

幸運的是，我很快收到了一份全職工作的邀請，成為一名評估食品器具化學安全的實驗室的測試工程師。這個角色更符合我的化學背景，並引發了較少的存在主義質疑。在開始我的新工作之前，我到澳大利亞進行了一次改變人生的旅行，我將在下一章節詳細介紹。

My Love of Chinese Philosophy in High School

During my high school years, I spent considerable time contemplating life and shaping my character. Even as a science student, I was drawn to the arts because they allowed me to expand my horizons without the pressure of exams. Chinese literature, in particular, had a profound impact on me due to its enduring wisdom encapsulated in ancient poetry and essays.

One story that left an impression on me was about Su Qin, a strategic advisor during ancient China's Warring States period. Despite facing disgrace and disrespect from his family after failing to win over the Emperor of Qin, Su Qin locked himself away to study his teacher's books. Through sheer willpower and sacrifice, he eventually convinced six kingdoms to unite against Qin, thereby turning his life around. His story emphasized the inescapable role of money and status in society and motivated me to strive for success.

Du Fu, a poet from the Tang dynasty, was another influence. His compassion for others, despite his personal hardships, inspired me to be more selfless and altruistic. Du Fu's dream was to build a sanctuary for scholars, a dream so compelling that he would gladly give his life to see it fulfilled. His philosophy continually fuels my desire to contribute to the greater good.

Confucian philosophy has also had a significant impact on me. The work of Tang Junyi, a renowned Chinese philosopher who founded my university, resonated with me. He focused on human-centered ethics, asserting that the core of Chinese culture is humanity rather than divinity. He outlined four essential human virtues—compassion, justice, respect, and moral discernment—which guide us in living dignified lives. This philosophy has shaped my belief in the importance of moral integrity.

Taoism, too, has been influential, providing balance and perspective, especially during my low moments. It encourages me to see things holistically and to value my unique contributions to the world. Sun Zi's "The Art of War," a text shaped by Taoist principles, has been a source of strategic wisdom for me.

However, Chinese philosophy also serves as a cautionary tale. Legalism, a philosophy emphasizing strict governance, triumphed over others during the unification of China, leading to a short-lived but oppressive regime. This example underscores the importance of balance and the perils of overlooking human values, a lesson particularly relevant in the context of current global tensions.

While I majored in science, the teachings from Chinese literature, philosophy, and history have been a vital part of my education. Science and democracy, identified by intellectuals of the late Qing dynasty as the two pillars that could save China, resonate with me as essential forces for good. Through the scientific method and the democratic process, I believe we can work toward a more enlightened and harmonious world.

These lessons from Chinese philosophy have significantly shaped my worldview, influencing not only how I understand life but also how I strive to live it.

My Love of Chinese Philosophy in High School

Welcome to "Continuous Improvement," the podcast where we explore the power of personal growth and the pursuit of a better life. I'm your host, Victor, and today we'll be diving into the profound impact of ancient Chinese literature and philosophy on personal development.

During our formative years, we often find inspiration in unexpected places. For me, it was the world of Chinese literature. As a science student in high school, I was initially drawn to the arts as a means to expand my horizons without the pressure of exams. Little did I know that these literary works would shape my character and worldview in ways I couldn't have imagined.

One story that left a lasting impression on me is that of Su Qin, a strategic advisor during ancient China's Warring States period. Despite facing disgrace and disrespect from his own family after failing to win over the Emperor of Qin, Su Qin locked himself away to study his teacher's books. Through sheer willpower and sacrifice, he eventually convinced six kingdoms to unite against Qin, turning his life and the fate of many others around. Su Qin's story emphasized the inescapable role of money and status in society, and motivated me to strive for success against all odds.

Du Fu, a poet from the Tang dynasty, was another influence. Despite enduring personal hardships, Du Fu showcased profound compassion for others. His dream of building a sanctuary for scholars was so compelling that he was willing to give his life for its fulfillment. Du Fu's selflessness and altruism continue to inspire me to this day, reminding me of the importance of contributing to the greater good.

One of the most significant influences on my personal development has been the philosophy of Confucianism. Tang Junyi, a renowned Chinese philosopher who founded my university, has conveyed the deep significance of human-centered ethics. He emphasized that the core of Chinese culture lies within humanity itself, rather than divinity. Tang Junyi highlighted four essential human virtues: compassion, justice, respect, and moral discernment, which guide us in leading dignified lives. This philosophy has shaped my belief in the importance of moral integrity and our responsibility to treat others with kindness and fairness.

The teachings of Taoism have also had a profound impact on my journey of continuous improvement. This philosophical tradition encourages us to see things holistically and appreciate the uniqueness of our individual contributions to the world. Sun Zi's "The Art of War," a text shaped by Taoist principles, has provided me with strategic wisdom applicable not only to military contexts but also to various aspects of life.

However, it's crucial to recognize that Chinese philosophy also serves as a cautionary tale. The dominance of Legalism, a philosophy emphasizing strict governance, during the unification of China led to a short-lived but oppressive regime. This serves as a reminder of the paramount importance of balance and the perils of overlooking human values. It's a lesson that remains relevant even in the context of current global tensions.

While I pursued a major in science, the teachings from Chinese literature, philosophy, and history have been an integral part of my education. They have not only shaped how I understand life but also how I strive to live it. Science and democracy, identified by intellectuals of the late Qing dynasty as the two pillars that could save China, resonate with me as essential forces for good. Through the scientific method and the democratic process, I firmly believe that we can work towards a more enlightened and harmonious world.

As we wrap up today's episode of "Continuous Improvement," I encourage you to explore the profound wisdom hidden within ancient Chinese literature and philosophy. Let their teachings guide you on your own journey of personal growth and self-improvement.

Thank you for joining me today. Remember, the pursuit of a better life is a continuous journey. Until next time, keep striving, keep learning, and keep improving.