President's Column

How to Humanize Higher Education and Reduce Human Suffering

Paul T. P. Wong

Posted Jan 1, 2006

Across the land, away from the spotlight, a different kind of suffering goes on unnoticed – in homes, workplaces, schools, and universities. I am talking about intentional cruelty against other human beings, such as physical and emotional abuse, bullying, oppression and exploitation.

Read more

The Positive Psychology of Self-Sacrifice

Paul T. P. Wong

Posted Dec 1, 2005

There is a tragic ring to the term self-sacrifice. It conjures up images of Christ crucified, soldiers killed on battle fields or suicide-bombers blown to pieces along with their innocent victims. How can self-sacrifice be positive? Is self-sacrifice the highest expression of virtue or the worst form of human folly? Who benefits from self-obliteration? How can one reconcile self-sacrifice with self-actualization? During my recent trip to Hong Kong and China, I began to gain some insight to these puzzling questions.

Read more

Touchstones of Character Strengths

Paul T. P. Wong

Posted Oct 1, 2005

Human achievements cannot be measured simply in terms of wealth, power or fame. Such accomplishments belong to a small group of elites who are blessed with special talents and good fortunes. Basking in the glory of success and wielding immense influence, they are idolized, envied or feared, but not trusted.

Read more

Life Isn’t Fair: What can we do About it?

Paul T. P. Wong

Posted Aug 1, 2005

Disturbing and grotesque images of children dying of starvation on the evening news seem surreal in our comfortable living rooms. These tiny children look more like skeletons wrapped in black skins. Too weak to move and too tired to protest, they let the black flies feed on their listless faces.

Read more

Rediscover the Wonder and Awe in Everyday Living

Paul T. P. Wong

Posted Jul 1, 2005

Life could change for the better, when it is lived on a higher plane. Visualize yourself at the bottom of a grimy pit. If you look down, all you can see is muddy ground. But the moment you lift up your eyes towards the sky, your world suddenly opens up and brightens with new possibilities. A perspective shift can dramatically transform your view of life.

Read more

Practical Wisdoms for Flourishing in Difficult Situations

Paul T. P. Wong

Posted Jun 1, 2005

We all have experienced complex and difficult situations, which baffle the mind and defy rational solutions. All the scientific knowledge and technology in the world are of little help in the face of an urgent but ill-defined problem. Even the well-established principles in psychology and ethics fail to show us the right path.

Read more

The Promises and Perils of Family

Paul T. P. Wong

Posted May 1, 2005

As a social institution, family matters for the individual as well as the nation. It is frightening to realize that as the family goes, so goes the civilization. We really need to take stock and find out where our families are heading.

Read more

Rules for Positive Spontaneous Living

Posted Apr 1, 2005

Play is essential to a child’s learning and well-being; it is also a child’s full-time occupation. Life is a continuous flow, interrupted only by sleep and parental intrusions. What an exuberant display of energy and joy. There is no agenda, no ulterior motive, just the sheer pleasure of fun and games.

Read more

The Power of Determination and Commitment

Paul T. P. Wong

Posted Mar 1, 2005

No other human power can match that of determination. It has the potential to create heaven or hell not just for oneself, but also for the world. It is the ultimate terminator, unstoppable and invincible; nothing can stand in its way – not obstacles, not dangers, not even death.

Read more