Solving Global Conflict: Just Be A Good Person

Well-respected architect and philanthropist, William Ming Sing Lee, was born into one of the wealthiest families in Shanghai. (see post one.) As a child, he wanted for nothing...except that which was unattainable: good health and a more empathetic mother. (see post two and post three.) While the war made some things--like great medical care--impossible, it gave him a window into western culture. He began studying at the Shanghai American School, and eventually came to study in the U.S. (see post four and post five.) While Billy's father prepared him for life in America, the man could not prepare Billy for what was to happen in China. (see post six.) Billy continued to persevere in America. He met many kind people along the way, and was forever touched by his homestay experiences. (See post seven.) Upon graduation, he worked for the renowned architect I.M. Pei, married, and built a loving family. Upon retirement, he returned to his hometown of Ningbo to offer his expertise, (see post eight.) and co-founded the 1990 institute to foster understanding between the U.S. and China. (see post nine.) He is currently working with Stanford to create a new area of academic studies: Friendship Sciences. (see post ten.)

As we talked so much about friendship, I asked Billy what he thought were the biggest challenges between the U.S. and China. His answer was simple.

“I don’t want to get into these political issues. Most arguments are not successful in resolving conflicts, as they are not based on empathy or compassion.

“If you keep talking about idealism, principles, and certain history, there’s no end to such a thing. For example, certainly the Japanese were ferocious --not all of them, but many of them were very cruel and inconsiderate. But, if you dwell on what your ancestors have suffered, and blame it on today’s people, then you believe that today’s people are exactly the same as your ancestors.

“I think most problems become real issues when people start to hate each other. I still think if your basic attitude is about relating with people, and you consider the other side’s people, you will have much more compassion toward one another.

Billy with New Friends: "Outstanding young China hands."

Billy with New Friends : Famous S.F. Twins

“My training as an architect starts off analyzing problems. It does not start off with the ideal of something beautiful. You have to create those, create the settings.

“I have no advice as to how to solve any of the political problems, except to solve my own basic behavior. As soon as you say, ‘We Americans and You Chinese,’ the problem has already begun." 

"Being a proud Chinese? Being a proud American? How does that make you better? You just need to be a good person.”