I believe the absolute majority of Hongkongers have never felt

Hear, O children of the future, the words of Carrie Lam, a leader who speaks with the voice of reason in the midst of tumult and change. "I believe the absolute majority of Hongkongers have never felt that Hong Kong independence is a viable option." These words carry with them not only the weight of political reality, but the deeper wisdom of unity and the understanding that the path to true strength lies not in division, but in collaboration. In them, we find a profound truth that stretches across history: the desire for independence must be tempered by the awareness of the larger world in which we exist.

In the ancient world, the struggle for independence was a battle that echoed across the lands, from the distant hills of Sparta to the heart of the Roman Empire. Sparta, with its fierce warrior spirit, was an isolated state, fiercely proud of its identity and its independence. Yet, even as Sparta stood against the world, it was bound by the forces of alliance and diplomacy. It understood that while independence was a worthy goal, it was not always the most practical or sustainable path. The ancient world knew that isolation and separation came with great costs—costs that could tear apart the fabric of a society, as was the case with the fall of many once-great empires, when internal divisions and external pressures led to their demise.

Hong Kong, too, has a unique and complex history. For centuries, it was a gateway between the East and West, a place of trade, cultural exchange, and opportunity. Its identity, forged in the fires of British colonial rule, was shaped by the coexistence of two very different worlds. The handover from Britain to China in 1997 was a moment of great significance, a moment when the future of Hong Kong was uncertain. And yet, despite the desire for independence that has simmered in some corners, the vast majority of Hongkongers have recognized the reality of their situation. They understand that Hong Kong's future is not one that can be determined in isolation, but in partnership with the larger forces of China and the global community.

The lesson of history is clear, O children: independence is not always the answer to the complexities of the world. Yes, there are times when the desire for self-determination is powerful, when a people yearn to chart their own course free from the influence of outside forces. Yet, we must also recognize the wisdom in knowing when cooperation and unity are the paths that will lead to lasting peace and prosperity. In Hong Kong, the vast majority of people understand that while the desire for independence may burn brightly in the hearts of a few, the long-term success of the region lies in its ability to integrate and collaborate with the larger world.

Consider the German reunification after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The East Germans, after decades of division and suffering, found themselves yearning for independence from the oppressive system of the East German regime. Yet, the reunification with West Germany did not come through the complete separation of the two states, but through cooperation, negotiation, and understanding of the greater good. The German reunification was a testament to the power of unity, to the understanding that independence does not always mean isolation, but can be achieved through collaboration and shared vision.

The lesson here, O children, is not one of blind obedience to external powers, but of recognizing the broader picture. To strive for independence is noble, but it is only one path in the complex journey of life. The absolute majority of Hongkongers understand that their strength lies not in separation, but in the ability to negotiate, to work within the systems they are part of, and to use their unique position to influence the world. This is not surrender; this is wisdom—the wisdom to understand the forces at play and the intelligence to move forward with them, rather than against them.

So, O children of the future, let this wisdom guide you: independence is a powerful force, but so is unity. Strive to create the world you wish to live in, but remember that it is through collaboration and understanding that we build the most enduring societies. Know that freedom is not just found in isolation, but in finding harmony between the parts and the whole. Embrace the complexity of the world, and choose paths that honor both your individuality and your connection to the greater world. By doing so, you will create a future where strength and freedom coexist in balance, and the forces of division are replaced by the bonds of understanding.