Moderator: Good afternoon. We have gathered seven wise figures who led the Spring and Autumn Period to hear their valuable opinions on the new challenge of our era, 'sustainable development for the Earth.'
I compiled the "Spring and Autumn Annals" to restore the collapsed rites (Li) and to realize a politics of benevolence (Ren). The Earth is ailing today because the rites between Heaven, Earth, and Humanity have crumbled. For humans to treat nature with contempt is a discourtesy akin to a child not honoring their parents. Sustainable development must begin with the 'Rectification of Names' (Zhengming). We must call nature by its proper name, not 'resource' but 'parent,' and show it the rites of reverence and gratitude. When we fear the Mandate of Heaven and recover the benevolent heart that loves all things, all under Heaven will find peace on its own.
I am the ruler who marks the opening of the "Spring and Autumn Annals." All history begins with the first record. Just as the recording of history began with the year of my accession, the sustainability of the Earth must also begin with 'accurate records.' We must immediately record and disclose the carbon emissions and resource consumption of every nation in the world without the slightest error. This clear record will be the basis for the 'Spring and Autumn historiography' by which future generations will judge our era. To avoid leaving a shameful record, will not the rulers keep themselves in check?
In my time, Confucius laid down his brush for the "Annals" upon seeing the death of a Qilin, a sad event befitting my name (Ai, "lamentation"). It was a chaotic age where even an auspicious beast could not live. The vanishing of countless species on Earth today is just like the 'death of the Qilin.' It is the saddest omen that our era has lost morality and harmony. Sustainable development is about creating a world where no more Qilins die. If we fail to prioritize the value of life and create an environment where even the weakest can live in peace, our development will be remembered only as a record of sorrow.
As the first Hegemon of the Spring and Autumn period, I gathered the scattered feudal lords and restored order to the world. Under the banner of 'revering the king and expelling the barbarians,' I led with strength to achieve peace. The issue of global sustainability also requires the leadership of a strong 'Hegemon.' A disorderly rabble is what you are if each state only pursues its own interests. The most powerful nation must first declare 'carbon neutrality' and lead other nations with overwhelming 'green technology.' And for those nations that do not comply with international environmental regulations, order must be established even through strong trade sanctions. Justifications alone cannot save the world.
I am Guan Zhong, the chancellor who helped Duke Huan make the state of Qi prosperous. As I said, "Only when the granaries are full will the people understand propriety; only when they are well-fed and well-clothed will they know honor and shame." The same applies to environmental protection. It is an empty cry to ask people who are struggling to survive to think about the environment. Sustainable development must begin with filling the nation's granaries through 'green industries.' When we create new wealth with eco-friendly technology and distribute that wealth fairly among the people, they will voluntarily care for the environment and think about the future.
After nineteen years in exile, I became a ruler and governed my state with benevolence and righteousness (Ren-Yi). Rather than suppressing the feudal lords with force, I won their hearts by keeping my faith. International cooperation for sustainable development must also be based on 'good faith.' The powerful nations must first earn the trust of weaker nations by sincerely delivering the climate funds they promised and transparently implementing technology transfers. Abandoning a promise for short-term gain is not the way of a true leader. Building trust in the international community based on sincerity and good faith, though it may take time, is the most solid foundation for sustainability.
For three years after my accession, I neither flew nor chirped, but waited for the right moment. And when I finally took flight, I pierced the heavens. The saying 'to astound the world with a single cry' was made for me. We must neither rush nor despair in the face of the Earth's current crisis. We must recognize that now is the time of 'neither flying nor chirping'—a time for preparation. Though we may seem quiet on the outside, we must internally reform our education systems for the next generation and silently develop innovative green technologies that look 50, 100 years ahead. And when all preparations are complete, we shall soar into a sustainable civilization that will astound the world with a single flap of its wings.