人生扣子论 (ren sheng kou zi lun): Button theory of life

President Xi Jinping visited Peking University on Youth Day and urged students to follow the core socialist values to help create a better social atmosphere. During his talks with the students, Xi compared the process of establishing upright values with fastening one's buttons, saying: "If thprimarye first button is not fastened correctly, the rest will never find their rightful place."

The "button theory of life" is quite innovative and inspiring. If an official has, from the very beginning, decided to use his/her career to amass wealth, he/she is bound to commit a mistake that will eventually and inevitably lead him/her astray into the pits of corruption, which could land him/her in jail.

Things are always the most difficult at the beginning; it is not that easy to take the first step correctly in the pursuit of life's values. Only if one makes the right choice, of "fastening" the first button correctly, can one be ensured of an upright and happy journey in life.

Life offers everyone choices, and only by choosing the right path can one make life a wonderful journey. Therefore, the very first "button" of life must be fastened correctly and wisely to prevent one from falling victim to dishonest practices.

By using the "button theory" to say that a person should not become a government official if he/she wants to amass wealth, Xi tried to inspire the youths to make the right choice in life, depending on their individuality, interests and values. He also reminded civil servants that their obligation is to serve the people rather than taking advantage of their posts to make money on the sly, and warned them that sooner or later corrupt officials will end up in prison.

(China Daily 05/09/2014 page9)