National Network for Equitable Library Service

Today, many American families are facing the economic fallout of global competition, a decline in education quality, the potential reduction of Social Security and Medicare benefits, and high oil prices. The answer to these problems can be found in five inspiring Confucian values regarding career aspiration, education, money management, family, and friendship—the untold secrets behind the rise of China and the success of Asian Americans, whom the Pew Research Center calls the highest-income and best-educated racial group in the US. Based on his bicultural living experience and deep understanding of Confucianism, YuKong Zhao connects ancient Chinese wisdom to today’s real-life challenges and shares an “inside view” of how Chinese Americans apply these values to their lives and make themselves successful in their careers and as parents. Using an insightful cross-cultural perspective, he advocates a balanced approach that combines the strengths of Confucian values and American culture. He challenges many prevailing pop-culture values and offers sensible solutions that are refreshing, distinctive, and effective.