Why Do Chinese People Lack Confidence?

Hello everyone! Welcome to the Dashu Mandarin. Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s been swirling in my mind for a while: Why have Chinese people historically lacked confidence, and how are they gradually building it back? As a teacher, I often get asked about the challenges I face, and this is one that’s particularly close to my heart. Let’s explore this from both a national and individual perspective, reflecting on history, education, and the transformative role of the internet.

The Weight of a Humbling Past

For many Chinese, the greatest regret as a nation is the "Century of Humiliation"—a period of foreign invasion and internal strife that left deep scars. This history has two sides. On one hand, it erodes confidence, making people feel they’re somehow "not good enough" to avoid such suffering. On the other, it fuels a determination to rise again, to overcome past shame. This duality creates a complex tension: Chinese people can seem both insecure and quietly resilient.

The memory of a once-glorious past—China as one of the world’s greatest civilizations, the only ancient civilization of the four to remain unbroken—adds another layer. Yet, being reminded of ancestral greatness while facing modern struggles can feel like a burden. It’s like telling a child struggling financially, “Your grandfather was so successful!”—it inspires pride but also pressure to measure up.

The Global Lens and Self-Doubt

As a Chinese teacher creating content online, I’ve noticed something curious. When I express genuine pride in my country, some voices chime in, urging humility: “China isn’t that great—why be so proud?” This feedback plants seeds of doubt. Living in what feels like an “information bubble,” I’ve wondered: Is China really as good as I think, or am I naive for believing it? This self-questioning reflects a broader struggle many Chinese face, where confidence can feel like a house built on sand, easily shaken by external criticism.

The Role of Education and Collectivism

On an individual level, traditional Chinese upbringing plays a part. Parents often emphasize modesty, telling children, “You’re not good enough yet—don’t get cocky.” This, combined with a school system rooted in collectivism, discourages standing out. The goal isn’t to nurture unique talent but to create “cogs in the machine”—reliable contributors to society. For generations, individuality was suppressed, reinforcing insecurity.

The Internet: A Double-Edged Sword

The internet has changed this narrative. It’s opened eyes to global lifestyles, sometimes leading to feelings of inferiority—“Others live better than us.” Yet, it’s also provided a platform for self-expression, something stifled by traditional education and culture. Suppressed dreams and talents have found an outlet, and with positive feedback, confidence is growing. People are discovering, “I’m not so different from others,” and even, “My country has strengths too.”

Turning the Tide

Recent achievements—like advancements in AI with DeepSeek or military successes with the J-10 in the Indo-Pak air conflict—have boosted national pride. Add to that the increasing number of foreigners visiting China and praising its progress, and the balance tips toward positive feedback. The old narrative of a weak, struggling nation is fading, replaced by a lighter, more confident spirit.

A New Generation

Today’s parents, shaped by their own suppressed upbringing, are breaking from tradition. Exposed to a more open world, they’re raising children differently, fostering confidence rather than conformity. This shift promises a future where the next generation stands taller than the last.

The Path Forward

Confidence is key to creating great civilizations and cultures. As the Chinese saying goes, “We are a community of shared destiny.” With growing self-assurance, China is poised to contribute meaningfully to this global ideal. What do you think—how does confidence shape your culture? Share your thoughts below!

Keywords: Chinese confidence, Chinese culture, Century of Humiliation, Chinese education, internet impact