The Power of Spirit: Modernizing China's Spiritual Civilization

Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon! Today, I want to talk about the modernization of China's spiritual civilization. China recognizes the significance of integrating spiritual and material civilizations for lasting prosperity.

First of all, let's look back at history. The rise and fall of the Song Dynasty and the Assyrian Empire can provide us valuable lessons. The Song Dynasty is known for its amazing culture but lacked military strength, leading to its downfall. Similarly, the Assyrian Empire focused on material progress but neglected spiritual development, resulting in cultural decay and social disintegration.

These examples teach us that harmoniously integrating spiritual and material civilizations is crucial for sustained prosperity. A strong spiritual civilization, rooted in values and principles, must be balanced with a robust material civilization encompassing technological advancements and economic growth.

China's modernization journey has witnessed both triumphs and challenges. We learned from the past and embraced Western ideologies to navigate a period of humiliation. However, it's time to revive our traditional Chinese culture, enhance cultural confidence, and strike a balance between spiritual and material advancements.

Since the reform and opening-up, China has made remarkable progress. Our nation has achieved significant economic growth and technological advancements. However, we face challenges such as negative attitudes, vulgar tastes, and conflicts of values. We must modernize our spiritual civilization, reinforcing moral compass and nurturing cultural values.

China's response to the pandemic showcased the power of our collective spirit. We united as one, effectively containing the virus within three months. This achievement reflects China's institutional strengths and the inherent altruism of our people, setting an example for the world. This collective spirit, built upon strong values and a shared sense of purpose, played a crucial role in overcoming the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Furthermore, we have achieved notable results in poverty alleviation, enriching the spirits of impoverished households alongside material well-being. This goes beyond simply addressing economic needs. It involves cultivating aspirations, empowering individuals and communities to transcend poverty and embrace a brighter future. This focus on spiritual growth complements material progress, creating a holistic approach to development.

The unity of material and spiritual civilization requires joint efforts from the Party and the people. Today, China needs unity more than ever. Let us strengthen China's soft power and share our excellent traditional Chinese culture with the world. This is our responsibility and contribution to human civilization.

To sum up, spiritual strength is essential for individuals to stand up, and spiritual vigor is crucial for nations to flourish. By fortifying our spirits and embracing history's lessons, we can overcome risks and move forward with determination. Let us build a towering edifice of Chinese spiritual strength, illuminating the world with our civilization. Thank you!