本期节目探讨一个被反复忽视、却决定文明命运的根本问题： 什么样的制度土壤，才能支撑一个文明在长期竞争中持续强盛？

我们从中国古典的黄帝—老子思想出发，重新理解“无为而治”作为一种成熟的治理哲学；再对照汉唐的历史实践、改革开放的现实经验，以及英美世界的制度演进，说明自由主义并非放纵，而是制度化的“无为”。

当一个社会懂得为复杂性留出空间，文明才会真正生长。

In this episode, August Cheung explores the historical and philosophical underpinnings of civilization's growth and stagnation, drawing parallels between ancient philosophies and modern political systems. He discusses how certain countries, despite appearing chaotic, thrive through innovation and technological advancements, while others, despite their discipline and moral frameworks, face decline. Cheung emphasizes the importance of allowing complex systems to grow naturally, referencing the teachings of Lao Zi and the historical context of various empires, including the Ming and Tang Dynasties, to illustrate his points. He argues that excessive intervention and a rigid moral framework can stifle growth, advocating for a balance between governance and individual freedom to foster a thriving civilization.

本期节目探讨一个被反复忽视、却决定文明命运的根本问题：
什么样的制度土壤，才能支撑一个文明在长期竞争中持续强盛？

我们从中国古典的黄帝—老子思想出发，重新理解“无为而治”作为一种成熟的治理哲学；再对照汉唐的历史实践、改革开放的现实经验，以及英美世界的制度演进，说明自由主义并非放纵，而是制度化的“无为”。

当一个社会懂得为复杂性留出空间，文明才会真正生长。

In this episode, August Cheung explores the historical and philosophical underpinnings of civilization's growth and stagnation, drawing parallels between ancient philosophies and modern political systems. He discusses how certain countries, despite appearing chaotic, thrive through innovation and technological advancements, while others, despite their discipline and moral frameworks, face decline. Cheung emphasizes the importance of allowing complex systems to grow naturally, referencing the teachings of Lao Zi and the historical context of various empires, including the Ming and Tang Dynasties, to illustrate his points. He argues that excessive intervention and a rigid moral framework can stifle growth, advocating for a balance between governance and individual freedom to foster a thriving civilization.

Chinese & Engine Versions:

在本次对话中，August Cheung 探讨了中国文明中的治理结构，重点分析了明朝的崩溃及其对现代治理的启示。他讨论了科学化、技术化管理体系的重要性，指出单一治理结构所蕴含的风险，并将其与其他历史上的治理体系进行了比较。对话最后总结了从历史王朝中汲取的经验教训，强调建立一种平衡、多元的治理结构对于国家和文明的长期稳定至关重要。

In this conversation, August Cheung explores the governance structures of Chinese civilization, particularly focusing on the collapse of the Ming Dynasty and the implications for modern governance. He discusses the importance of a scientific and technical management system, the dangers of a single government structure, and draws comparisons with other historical governance systems. The conversation concludes with lessons learned from historical dynasties and the necessity for a balanced governance approach.

“1644 史观”既不是怀旧，也不是敌意。
它的目的，是将中华文明从与清朝统治长期、被动绑定的叙事中解放出来。
只有完成这一解放，文明本身才可能真正向前发展。

1644 marked a conquest that interrupted China’s indigenous civilizational continuity. First, Qing rule does not represent civilizational continuity. Second, civilization and regime must be separated. Third, a civilizational—not imperial—point of view. The 1644 Perspective is not nostalgia or hostility. It is an effort to liberate Chinese civilization from being permanently bound to Qing ruling regime. Only then can a civilization truly move forward.