The book is basically a Chinese diplomat's account of his time in America, as well as an analysis of the country's society, often comparing it to his own. There are many aspect of both countries that he compares and contrasts, all while hoping that the two could learn from each other and develop a cordial relationship. Recommended reading for anyone interested in late 19th/early 20th century Chinese 🐉 and American 🦅 history and culture.
Reading this book also helped me realize how even the briefest of interactions can have life-changing impacts on the people we meet:
"Once I was an involuntary match-maker. Some years ago, during my first mission in Washington, I was invited to attend the wedding of the daughter of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. When I entered the breakfast room, I saw the bridesmaids and a number of young men. Going up to one of the bridesmaids whom I had previously met, and who was the daughter of a Senator, I asked her when it would be her turn to become a bride. She modestly said that she did not know, as she had not yet had an offer. Turning to the group of young men who were in the room, I jocularly remarked to one of them, 'This is a beautiful lady, would you not like to marry her?' He replied, 'I shall be most delighted to.' Then I said to the young lady, 'Will you accept his offer?' She seemed slightly embarrassed and said something to the effect that as she did not know the gentleman she could not give a definite answer. After a few days I met the young lady at an 'At Home' party when she scolded me for being so blunt with her before the young men. I told her I was actuated by the best of motives, and a few months later I received an invitation from the young lady’s parents inviting me to be present at their daughter’s marriage. I thought I would go and find out whether the bridegroom was the young man whom I had introduced to the young lady, and as soon as I entered the house, the mother of the bride, to my agreeable surprise, informed me that it was I who had first brought the young couple together, and both the bride and bridegroom heartily thanked me for my good offices.”
Ting-Fang also provides a few words of wisdom on living the good life:
"One way is to be always calm and in poise, and not to be disturbed by any adverse event. Another way is to look at things on the bright side and always be cheerful. I find a few deep breathings at an open window will be sufficient to turn off angry or gloomy thoughts.
Good moral living is essential to happiness. A person who wishes to be happy should be not only physically strong, but should have pure thoughts also. He ought not to allow corrupt feelings to enter his mind. The feeling of love is an antidote for bad thoughts, and should be cultivated in every way. A man with feelings of universal love must, in my opinion, be happy. I find that breathing love is an effectual cure for selfish and narrow ideas. Riches, high position or high honor do not necessarily make a man happy. Neither does a physically strong body alone give its possessor bliss. It is correct living, with a contented mind and a clear conscience, which makes a man happy."