Modernization and Its Discontents

Days and Works

No, it is not directly our problem. But then again, indirectly, it is. Modernization is our word for what happens to an ancient Asian culture when it comes face to face with Western countries possessing military superiority and the required industrial base. A kind of adjustment to the international competition, if you will. But why call it modernization, “modern” being a name for the present time? Thereby hangs a tale, and the problem.