What’s one thing that would instantly improve your city?
My short answer: everyone themselves.
Fast comes, fast goes. A thriving city needs time to build or rebuild—its infrastructure, economy, governance, rule of law, and law-abiding spirit. The most influential force, yet conscience-bound, to make or to break, comes from within each human being.
As AI advances at breakneck speed, the human essence quietly recedes into the backdrop. It makes way for relentless waves of change. Yet amid the chase for new technology, who truly knows—or cares—what ultimate cost the whole world must pay?
The new normal arrives fast and bites harder. Ordinary citizens expect change to improve everything—every person, every business—except themselves. Self-seeking is common; self-critique is rare. As for governing bodies, the prevailing mindset: rules are made to break—critique received, remedy disregarded.
So where on earth can a truly perfect inhabitant be found? What can instantly improve a city is magic—not wielded by human hands, but by Sovereign Power. Eden was made perfect as a dwelling place; no improvement was needed until the curse fell through human rebellion.
Today, driven by human ego, digital cities rise and digital friends become companions. One can imagine governments turning digital sooner rather than later. All of this began with a global welcome. But might it end in catastrophe?
Or should improvement begin with each of us: releasing unwarranted desires, showing kindness to the weak, forgiving others’ wrongs, and walking upright before our Creator? Yet only the wise can. So then—are you wise?
—
“Intelligence Is Not Wisdom”
Guard your heart above all else you keep;
before you seek to better things, first guard your heart with care.
To keep the good and walk therein—this charge belongs to all;
and when it belongs to all, blessing comes to all.
A kindly heart finds joy; in goodness, true delight.
A fearful heart will tremble even in the brightest light.
Heaven and earth have their own order—all things follow so;
each soul has its own destiny, and wisdom moves by its own law.
Wisdom has a “Way”—not a circuit’s path.
To find true wisdom—that alone is true intelligence.
—
en yan hua fang 