I'm Chinese-American, of course, and so it's very interesting to

In the rich tapestry of human history, where ambition stretches far beyond the horizon and the heavens beckon, there are moments when the dream of the stars is shared by many, transcending borders and cultures. Leroy Chiao, an astronaut whose life was shaped by both the East and the West, once spoke these words: "I'm Chinese-American, of course, and so it's very interesting to see China actually launch their own astronauts, becoming the third nation, following the United States and Russia, to do so." In these words lies a reflection on the unity of humanity, the triumph of diverse cultures, and the shared aspirations that bind us all in the pursuit of greatness.

Consider, O seekers of wisdom, the great philosophers and scholars of old, who saw the world not in isolation but as an interconnected whole. The ancient Silk Road, that great pathway linking the East and the West, was not just a route for goods, but for ideas, cultures, and dreams. From China to Rome, ideas flowed freely, connecting disparate peoples in ways that transcended borders. Today, Chiao’s words remind us that the pursuit of knowledge, of reaching for the stars, is not the sole province of any one nation or culture. Rather, it is a shared dream—a dream that unites the peoples of the world in their quest for understanding, discovery, and exploration.

The story of the space race, where Russia and the United States vied to conquer the heavens, is a tale of fierce competition, yet also of great collaboration. In 1969, when Neil Armstrong first set foot on the moon, it was not just an American victory, but a triumph for all of humanity. The moon, that distant celestial body, was no longer an unreachable realm, but a symbol of the possibilities that lie within our grasp. But the story did not end there, for the seeds of exploration had been planted, and others, like China, would one day rise to answer the call of the stars, making their own journey into the great unknown.

In the same way, the Chinese space program, though young, reflects a long history of determination and innovation. From the ancient philosophers who first gazed at the stars to the brilliant minds who have worked to send men into space, China’s journey into the cosmos is a continuation of the universal human spirit of exploration. Just as Chiao spoke of the pride and fascination of seeing China launch its own astronauts, we must understand that such a milestone is not just a national achievement, but a step forward for all of humanity. It is a sign that the dream of reaching beyond the Earth is one that transcends national boundaries, and that the future of space exploration is a shared vision, held by people of every culture and background.

The lesson of Chiao’s words is clear: that the pursuit of the unknown, the journey toward the stars, is not something to be limited by borders or differences, but a journey that belongs to all of us. The story of humanity’s conquest of the heavens is one that will be told not by nations alone, but by the voices of countless individuals, each with their own unique heritage and story. Just as the United States and Russia laid the foundation for space exploration, so too will China and other nations continue to build upon that legacy. The heavens belong to no one people or culture—they belong to all of humanity.

And so, O children of the Earth, let us learn from Chiao’s reflection: that the great endeavors of humanity—whether in the realms of science, art, or philosophy—are not meant to divide us, but to unite us. The stars, the moon, and the great expanse of space are not the property of any one nation, but the shared dream of all people. As you walk your own path, remember that your journey is part of a greater whole, one that connects you to every other soul on this planet. Whether in the pursuit of knowledge, service, or adventure, let your actions reflect the unity of all peoples and the shared destiny we have in reaching for the stars.

In the end, O seekers of truth, the greatest achievements of humanity come not from competition, but from collaboration and shared vision. Let Chiao’s words remind you that, though we may come from different places, different cultures, and different backgrounds, we are all travelers on this great journey through life, bound together by the same dream: to explore, to understand, and to transform the world around us. Look to the heavens, not with division, but with the recognition that we are all part of a larger, shared story, one that stretches beyond the Earth and into the infinite.