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曹興誠 on Taiwan’s Political Future: A Deep Dive Analysis

曹興誠 on Taiwan’s Political Future: A Deep Dive Analysis

曹興誠 on Taiwan’s Political Future: A Deep Dive Analysis

This comprehensive analysis explores the evolving perspectives of 曹興誠 on Taiwan’s independence, identity, and relationships with China and the United States. It offers deep insights into his vision for Taiwan’s future and the factors that have shaped his thinking over time.

Main Topics

  • The necessity and rationale for Taiwan’s independence
  • Evolution of 曹興誠’s views on Taiwan’s identity and relationship with China
  • Rejection of the “China” identity and embracing “Taiwan”
  • Countering appeasement and defeatism in Taiwan’s approach to China
  • The crucial role of US support and Taiwan’s semiconductor industry
  • 曹興誠’s personal transformation and its impact on his political stance
  • Vision for Taiwan’s sovereignty and international standing
  • Comparisons with other geopolitical situations (e.g., Ukraine)
  • The importance of Taiwan’s democracy in the context of China’s future

In-Depth Analysis of 曹興誠’s Views

The Imperative of Taiwan’s Independence

曹興誠 argues vehemently that Taiwan must declare independence to counter the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) claim that Taiwan is part of China. His reasoning includes:

  • Preventing China from framing an invasion as an internal matter
  • Clarifying that any attack on Taiwan would be an act of international aggression
  • Garnering broader international support and assistance in case of conflict
  • Asserting Taiwan’s distinct identity and right to self-determination
“By declaring independence, Taiwan can make it clear that any attack would be an act of aggression and garner international support.”

曹興誠 draws parallels with Ukraine’s situation, emphasizing how strong resistance and international support can deter aggression from larger powers.

Evolution of 曹興誠’s Perspectives

曹興誠’s views on Taiwan’s relationship with China have undergone a significant transformation over time:

Earlier Stance:

  • Advocated for peaceful unification with China under a democratic framework
  • Believed unification was unnecessary, citing the peaceful separation of the British Empire
  • Supported a “civilized approach” to unification, respecting Taiwan’s democracy
  • Proposed allowing Taiwanese citizens to decide through a referendum

Turning Point – 2019 Hong Kong Crackdown:

  • Witnessed China’s actions in Hong Kong, leading to disillusionment
  • Viewed China’s approach as untrustworthy and disrespectful of international law
  • This event marked a significant shift in his thinking

Current Position:

  • Strongly advocates for Taiwanese independence
  • Embraces a distinct Taiwanese identity separate from China
  • Argues for dropping the “Republic of China” title in favor of “Taiwan”
  • Believes in actively resisting China’s authoritarian influence

Rejecting “China” and Embracing “Taiwan”

曹興誠 passionately advocates for:

  • Abandoning the name “Republic of China” in favor of “Taiwan”
  • Recognizing the CCP’s system as a regression to dynastic rule, concentrating power in elite families
  • Emphasizing Taiwan’s democratic values as a beacon of progress and freedom for Chinese people
  • Viewing the “China” identity as a burden for Taiwanese people due to negative associations with the CCP

He argues that Taiwan has been an independent entity for over a century, predating the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. 曹興誠 emphasizes that Taiwan’s indigenous people have lived on the island for 4,000 years, further distinguishing Taiwan’s identity from mainland China.

Countering Appeasement and Defeatism

曹興誠 strongly criticizes what he calls the “head in the sand” approach, asserting that:

  • The CCP will never voluntarily relinquish its goal of unifying Taiwan
  • Any weakness or lack of resistance from Taiwan will only embolden CCP aggression
  • A strong and determined defense is crucial to deterring invasion
  • Maintaining the status quo and avoiding confrontation is ultimately futile and dangerous
“Resisting China is the best way to deter aggression and protect Taiwan’s democracy.”

The Crucial Role of US Support and the Semiconductor Industry

曹興誠 places significant emphasis on the importance of US support and Taiwan’s technological prowess:

  • Believes the United States will come to Taiwan’s aid in case of a CCP attack
  • Cites historical US support, including:
    • Deployment of the Seventh Fleet to the Taiwan Strait during the Korean War
    • Passage of the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979
  • Asserts that the US has consistently maintained a “One China, One Taiwan” policy
  • Highlights the CCP’s crackdown on Taiwan’s chip industry as evidence of attempting to stifle Taiwan’s technological progress
  • Argues that this crackdown is ultimately futile due to the global nature of Taiwan’s semiconductor ecosystem
  • Sees Taiwan’s role in the global semiconductor industry as strengthening its position within the international community

曹興誠’s Personal Transformation

曹興誠’s current stance on Taiwan’s future has been profoundly shaped by personal experiences:

  • The CCP’s crackdown on Hong Kong in 2019 was a pivotal moment
  • This led to his complete disengagement from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau
  • He was particularly disturbed by the CCP’s disregard for the rule of law and use of violence against peaceful protesters
  • These experiences solidified his belief that the CCP is an untrustworthy and dangerous regime that must be resisted

Vision for Taiwan’s Sovereignty and International Standing

曹興誠’s comprehensive vision for Taiwan’s future includes:

  • Declaring independence to safeguard Taiwan’s democratic society and enhance its international standing
  • Viewing the US as a crucial and reliable ally in defending against Chinese aggression
  • Positioning Taiwan as a model for China’s future democratization
  • Rejecting the “one China” concept and advocating for the name “Taiwan” to emphasize its distinct identity
  • Emphasizing Taiwan’s role in the global semiconductor industry as a key asset in technological competition with China
  • Believing that protecting Taiwan’s democracy is crucial for the eventual democratization of China

Purpose and Significance

The purpose of this deep dive analysis is to provide a comprehensive understanding of 曹興誠’s perspectives on Taiwan’s political future. It aims to:

  • Trace the evolution of 曹興誠’s views on Taiwan’s independence and identity
  • Explain the rationale behind his advocacy for declaring independence
  • Illustrate the importance of international support, particularly from the US
  • Demonstrate the significance of Taiwan’s democratic values and technological prowess in the global context
  • Provide insights into the complex relationships between Taiwan, China, and the international community
  • Highlight the potential consequences of different approaches to Taiwan’s relationship with China
  • Explore the broader implications of Taiwan’s situation for regional stability and the future of democracy in Asia

Conclusion

曹興誠’s analysis of Taiwan’s political future reflects a deep and evolving commitment to:

  • Preserving and promoting Taiwan’s democratic values in the face of authoritarian pressure
  • Asserting Taiwan’s distinct identity and inalienable right to self-determination
  • Resisting the CCP’s authoritarian influence and expansion through decisive action and international cooperation
  • Strengthening Taiwan’s international relationships, particularly with democratic nations like the US
  • Leveraging Taiwan’s technological strengths, especially in semiconductors, for geopolitical advantage
  • Encouraging a reevaluation of Taiwan’s official name and identity to better reflect its sovereign status
  • Promoting Taiwan as a model for democratic governance and a counterpoint to authoritarian systems

His evolving perspective underscores the complex and dynamic nature of Taiwan’s political situation. It offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the island nation in its quest for sovereignty and international recognition. 曹興誠’s views reflect a broader debate within Taiwan and internationally about the best path forward for ensuring Taiwan’s security, prosperity, and democratic way of life in the face of increasing pressure from China.

“Defending Taiwan’s democratic society is crucial for the future of China’s progress toward a normal, civilized society.”

As tensions in the region continue to evolve, 曹興誠’s perspectives provide a crucial voice in the ongoing discourse about Taiwan’s future, the balance of power in East Asia, and the global struggle between democratic and authoritarian systems of governance.

Explore More About Taiwan’s Political Future and 曹興誠’s Vision

Captivating Insights:

Key Takeaways & Lively Debates from this Thought-Provoking English Podcast!

podcast of Yu Maochun


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[00:00.000 –> 00:03.280] All right, so today we’re really diving deep. [00:03.280 –> 00:04.080] Yeah, we are. [00:04.080 –> 00:06.360] Into the world of Cao Xingcheng. [00:06.360 –> 00:07.320] Fascinating guy. [00:07.320 –> 00:11.640] Yeah, a Taiwanese business leader who, I mean, [00:11.640 –> 00:13.840] he kind of defies expectations. [00:13.840 –> 00:14.760] Absolutely. [00:14.760 –> 00:16.200] You know, you gave us this whole stack [00:16.200 –> 00:20.240] of interviews, articles, and the more I dug into it, [00:20.240 –> 00:24.600] the more I was struck by just how unique his perspective is [00:24.600 –> 00:29.480] on really everything, like business, politics, life. [00:29.560 –> 00:32.800] He’s not your average tech CEO, that’s for sure. [00:32.800 –> 00:33.560] No. [00:33.560 –> 00:36.000] I mean, the media loves to call him a firebrand, [00:36.000 –> 00:38.680] especially because he’s so outspoken on China. [00:38.680 –> 00:39.200] Right. [00:39.200 –> 00:42.880] But he’s such an interesting mix of contradictions. [00:42.880 –> 00:46.200] This is a guy who describes himself as a happy old sparrow. [00:46.200 –> 00:47.520] Right, happy old sparrow. [00:47.520 –> 00:48.000] Yeah. [00:48.000 –> 00:49.840] It’s almost self-deprecating when you think about it. [00:49.840 –> 00:50.600] It really is. [00:50.600 –> 00:52.880] This is a guy who built a multi-billion dollar company. [00:52.880 –> 00:54.280] From nothing, pretty much. [00:54.280 –> 00:55.120] From the ground up. [00:55.120 –> 00:56.000] Yeah. [00:56.000 –> 00:59.160] So it’s just this, it’s an interesting blend [00:59.160 –> 01:01.360] of ambition and humility, I think. [01:01.360 –> 01:02.240] Yeah, absolutely. [01:02.240 –> 01:05.440] Where do you even begin with someone like that? [01:05.440 –> 01:07.880] I think to really understand Kao Hsing-Chang, [01:07.880 –> 01:09.840] you have to kind of understand the context. [01:09.840 –> 01:10.360] OK. [01:10.360 –> 01:12.040] The environment that he’s operating in. [01:12.040 –> 01:13.080] Yeah. [01:13.080 –> 01:15.720] A lot of Taiwanese tech leaders, they [01:15.720 –> 01:18.320] tend to shy away from politics, especially [01:18.320 –> 01:19.200] when it comes to China. [01:19.200 –> 01:19.920] Right, right. [01:19.920 –> 01:23.640] And so, Kao’s willingness to just speak his mind, [01:23.640 –> 01:26.160] even if it ruffles a few feathers along the way. [01:26.160 –> 01:26.680] Yeah. [01:26.680 –> 01:28.200] I mean, that really makes him stand out. [01:28.200 –> 01:29.880] He’s playing by a different set of rules. [01:29.880 –> 01:30.800] He is, yeah. [01:30.800 –> 01:31.720] That’s clear, right. [01:31.720 –> 01:32.880] Totally. [01:32.880 –> 01:36.800] But his story, it’s not like he didn’t start off [01:36.800 –> 01:38.360] with a silver spoon or anything. [01:38.360 –> 01:42.960] This is a guy who walked to school barefoot growing up [01:42.960 –> 01:44.440] in post-war Taiwan. [01:44.440 –> 01:45.560] Humble beginnings. [01:45.560 –> 01:50.720] And get this, shared a tiny attic room. [01:50.720 –> 01:51.240] Oh, wow. [01:51.240 –> 01:53.440] With a rickshaw driver and a taxi driver. [01:53.440 –> 01:54.920] Oh, my god. [01:54.920 –> 01:59.320] While he was going to this prestigious high school, [01:59.320 –> 02:00.760] Jianguo High School. [02:00.760 –> 02:01.920] Wow. [02:01.920 –> 02:03.640] Talk about a study in contrast. [02:03.640 –> 02:04.160] I know. [02:04.160 –> 02:04.800] It’s amazing. [02:04.800 –> 02:05.320] Yeah. [02:05.320 –> 02:07.200] And it speaks volumes, doesn’t it? [02:07.200 –> 02:10.040] Well, I mean, you start to see, we [02:10.040 –> 02:12.600] were talking about his management style a little bit. [02:12.600 –> 02:15.320] He really believes in empowering his employees. [02:15.320 –> 02:16.080] Absolutely. [02:16.080 –> 02:16.800] And taking risks. [02:16.800 –> 02:18.360] Calculated risks, yeah. [02:18.360 –> 02:18.960] Yeah. [02:18.960 –> 02:19.760] But still. [02:19.760 –> 02:22.600] And then valuing real world experience. [02:22.600 –> 02:23.200] Yes. [02:23.200 –> 02:24.680] Street smarts. [02:24.680 –> 02:26.760] Yeah, I mean, that all kind of makes sense, right? [02:26.760 –> 02:27.640] It jumps together. [02:27.640 –> 02:29.200] Those early years, really, I think [02:29.200 –> 02:30.520] they shaped his whole approach. [02:30.520 –> 02:31.120] Absolutely. [02:31.120 –> 02:35.080] To leadership, life in general. [02:35.080 –> 02:35.560] For sure. [02:35.560 –> 02:38.120] OK, so let’s talk about the risk taking for a second. [02:38.120 –> 02:39.080] OK. [02:39.080 –> 02:41.760] What about this whole RCA equipment thing? [02:41.760 –> 02:42.480] Oh, yeah. [02:42.480 –> 02:48.520] Because, I mean, essentially, he told the authorities [02:48.520 –> 02:50.000] that they were being ridiculous. [02:50.000 –> 02:51.440] Basically. [02:52.400 –> 02:56.320] If Taiwan wants to compete on a global scale, [02:56.320 –> 02:59.840] you’ve got to bend the rules a little bit. [02:59.840 –> 03:01.520] Be willing to, yeah. [03:01.520 –> 03:02.400] That takes guts. [03:02.400 –> 03:03.160] 100%. [03:03.160 –> 03:05.440] That’s pure Cao Xingcheng right there. [03:05.440 –> 03:08.200] That willingness to challenge conventions, [03:08.200 –> 03:12.080] to find creative solutions, even when they’re unorthodox. [03:12.080 –> 03:14.640] And more importantly, to stand by his convictions. [03:14.640 –> 03:15.520] It’s a theme. [03:15.520 –> 03:19.040] It is, even when it means going against the grain, right? [03:19.040 –> 03:19.560] Yeah. [03:19.560 –> 03:21.440] That’s something we see throughout his life, [03:21.440 –> 03:24.840] throughout his career, in business, [03:24.840 –> 03:25.840] in his personal life. [03:25.840 –> 03:27.480] It’s really quite fascinating. [03:27.480 –> 03:29.680] And that’s what makes him such a captivating figure, [03:29.680 –> 03:30.160] isn’t it? [03:30.160 –> 03:30.760] Oh, for sure. [03:30.760 –> 03:35.800] This willingness to kind of defy expectations [03:35.800 –> 03:38.000] and stick to his principles, even when [03:38.000 –> 03:39.920] it seems counterintuitive. [03:39.920 –> 03:41.840] Take his stance on China, for instance. [03:41.840 –> 03:43.240] Oh, yeah, we’ve got to talk about that. [03:43.240 –> 03:45.080] I mean, this is a man who went on record saying [03:45.080 –> 03:46.800] that unification is pointless. [03:46.800 –> 03:47.800] Pretty bold statement. [03:47.800 –> 03:49.120] And get this. [03:49.120 –> 03:54.080] He was saying this, even while his company, UMC, [03:54.080 –> 03:57.680] was actively doing business in mainland China. [03:57.680 –> 04:00.680] Which is, it makes you kind of scratch your head at first. [04:00.680 –> 04:01.200] It does. [04:01.200 –> 04:03.560] But it goes back to that principle over pragmatism [04:03.560 –> 04:04.320] thing. [04:04.320 –> 04:07.640] Like, Kao wasn’t against doing business in China, [04:07.640 –> 04:11.400] but he firmly believed that any unification had [04:11.400 –> 04:14.760] to be on Taiwan’s terms, respecting [04:14.760 –> 04:16.840] their democratic process, the whole thing. [04:16.840 –> 04:18.200] Like, he wasn’t going to budge on that. [04:18.240 –> 04:19.400] He wasn’t budging, no. [04:19.400 –> 04:23.360] And he even compared it to a corporate merger. [04:23.360 –> 04:24.200] Oh, interesting. [04:24.200 –> 04:26.800] You need to have a clear agreement [04:26.800 –> 04:28.520] that benefits both sides. [04:28.520 –> 04:31.920] It can’t just be one-sided, or it’s not going to work. [04:31.920 –> 04:34.400] Interesting way to frame it, though, right? [04:34.400 –> 04:37.840] Applying a business mindset to geopolitics. [04:37.840 –> 04:40.520] Yeah, yeah, it really highlights that belief [04:40.520 –> 04:42.320] in a civilized approach. [04:42.320 –> 04:43.320] Right, exactly. [04:43.320 –> 04:47.000] But don’t mistake that for weakness, though. [04:47.000 –> 04:48.600] Remember that courtroom outburst? [04:48.600 –> 04:50.400] Oh, yeah. [04:50.400 –> 04:52.000] How could we forget that? [04:52.000 –> 04:54.000] I mean, he basically called out the judge. [04:54.000 –> 04:54.640] He did. [04:54.640 –> 04:56.160] Said the whole proceeding was illegal. [04:56.160 –> 04:57.280] Yeah, it was amazing. [04:57.280 –> 04:58.400] And walked out in protest. [04:58.400 –> 04:59.320] In protest. [04:59.320 –> 05:03.200] That’s not exactly typical CEO behavior. [05:03.200 –> 05:04.880] Not exactly boardroom etiquette. [05:04.880 –> 05:05.960] Right. [05:05.960 –> 05:08.440] But you know what’s so classic, Kao, about that whole thing? [05:08.440 –> 05:09.000] Right. [05:09.000 –> 05:11.920] It wasn’t just him saying, like, I disagree with this [05:11.920 –> 05:13.760] and storming off all in a huff. [05:13.760 –> 05:14.320] Right. [05:14.320 –> 05:17.640] Later on, he compared it to a game of Mahjong. [05:17.640 –> 05:18.320] Oh, interesting. [05:18.320 –> 05:20.840] Where you realize the other players are cheating. [05:20.840 –> 05:21.520] OK. [05:21.520 –> 05:23.360] And he said, and I’m paraphrasing here, [05:23.360 –> 05:25.720] but he basically said, you don’t keep [05:25.720 –> 05:28.080] playing, hoping you’re going to win. [05:28.080 –> 05:30.080] You call them out. [05:30.080 –> 05:32.040] That is such a perfect analogy. [05:32.040 –> 05:32.560] It is. [05:32.560 –> 05:36.080] Really gets to the core of who he is as a person. [05:36.080 –> 05:37.120] 100%. [05:37.120 –> 05:39.920] This is a man who stands up for what he believes in. [05:39.920 –> 05:40.560] Right, right. [05:40.560 –> 05:44.080] Even when, or maybe especially when, it’s difficult. [05:44.400 –> 05:48.560] You see that consistency from his early business decisions [05:48.560 –> 05:50.880] to that very public legal battle. [05:50.880 –> 05:53.520] He’s not afraid of a fight, that’s for sure. [05:53.520 –> 05:55.840] But it’s always about more than just winning. [05:55.840 –> 05:56.720] You know what I mean? [05:56.720 –> 05:59.280] It’s about doing what he believes is right. [05:59.280 –> 06:01.000] It’s about the principle of the thing. [06:01.000 –> 06:01.520] Exactly. [06:01.520 –> 06:05.800] And that unwavering commitment to principle. [06:05.800 –> 06:08.600] It goes beyond just business and legal battles. [06:08.600 –> 06:09.400] Oh, absolutely. [06:09.400 –> 06:12.440] I mean, even his views on wealth and legacy [06:12.720 –> 06:14.520] are, well, they’re pretty unconventional. [06:14.520 –> 06:15.880] You could say that again. [06:15.880 –> 06:17.520] Like his son was even quoted saying, [06:17.520 –> 06:19.280] your money is yours, I’ll make my own. [06:19.280 –> 06:23.640] Try to imagine hearing that from the child of any billionaire, [06:23.640 –> 06:26.400] let alone someone like Cao Jingcheng. [06:26.400 –> 06:27.400] It’s pretty rare. [06:27.400 –> 06:28.320] It really is. [06:28.320 –> 06:30.880] It makes you wonder if this is like the future of family [06:30.880 –> 06:32.360] dynasties or something. [06:32.360 –> 06:33.840] It’s an interesting thought, isn’t it? [06:33.840 –> 06:34.680] It is, it is. [06:34.680 –> 06:37.080] Is Cao setting a whole new standard? [06:37.080 –> 06:37.640] Could be. [06:37.640 –> 06:40.360] I mean, this is a guy who’s not afraid to challenge conventions [06:40.360 –> 06:42.360] in any aspect of his life. [06:42.360 –> 06:43.440] That’s for sure. [06:43.440 –> 06:47.120] And speaking of like passions, unexpected passions, [06:47.120 –> 06:49.280] can we talk about his antique collection for a second? [06:49.280 –> 06:50.000] Oh, yeah. [06:50.000 –> 06:51.920] I mean, we’ve got a tech mogul who’s [06:51.920 –> 06:53.640] also an antique connoisseur. [06:53.640 –> 06:55.760] A man of many interests and passions. [06:55.760 –> 06:56.640] It’s true, it’s true. [06:56.640 –> 06:59.400] It’s another layer to this very complex guy. [06:59.400 –> 07:00.840] And I mean, we’re talking about someone [07:00.840 –> 07:05.040] who owns like a bronze wine vessel shaped like a tiger. [07:05.040 –> 07:06.400] Oh, yeah, that’s a beauty. [07:06.400 –> 07:07.640] Intricately carved. [07:07.640 –> 07:09.160] Exquisite craftsmanship. [07:09.160 –> 07:12.160] Ranked among the top 100 in the world by Sotheby’s. [07:12.200 –> 07:14.000] I mean, that’s saying something. [07:14.000 –> 07:15.000] Right. [07:15.000 –> 07:17.320] Imagine having that on display in your house. [07:17.320 –> 07:18.680] Can’t even fathom it. [07:18.680 –> 07:19.400] Right. [07:19.400 –> 07:23.960] But it’s clear that he has this deep appreciation [07:23.960 –> 07:26.360] for artistry history, right? [07:26.360 –> 07:27.160] Absolutely. [07:27.160 –> 07:30.720] But it goes beyond just owning these beautiful objects, [07:30.720 –> 07:31.640] these artifacts. [07:31.640 –> 07:32.480] How so? [07:32.480 –> 07:36.120] He actually donated like a priceless antique brush [07:36.120 –> 07:37.520] pot from his collection. [07:37.520 –> 07:38.040] Really? [07:38.040 –> 07:40.040] To aid earthquake victims. [07:40.040 –> 07:41.080] Wow. [07:41.160 –> 07:43.040] Talk about putting your money where your mouth is. [07:43.040 –> 07:44.200] I know, right? [07:44.200 –> 07:46.600] It really challenges the stereotype of the aloof [07:46.600 –> 07:47.360] collector, doesn’t it? [07:47.360 –> 07:48.040] It really does. [07:48.040 –> 07:50.720] It shows a generosity of spirit that you don’t always see. [07:50.720 –> 07:53.960] And it’s another example of how he just defies expectations [07:53.960 –> 07:55.400] at every turn, you know? [07:55.400 –> 07:55.880] It’s true. [07:55.880 –> 07:57.480] You think you have him figured out, [07:57.480 –> 07:58.680] and he goes and does something like that. [07:58.680 –> 07:59.160] Exactly. [07:59.160 –> 07:59.960] Does you for a loop. [07:59.960 –> 08:02.880] And did you know, also on top of everything else, [08:02.880 –> 08:04.400] he’s a bit of a poetry buff. [08:04.400 –> 08:06.360] I did hear that, yeah. [08:06.360 –> 08:09.800] Apparently, he finds a lot of solace and humor [08:09.800 –> 08:11.480] in these ancient verses. [08:11.480 –> 08:12.120] He does. [08:12.120 –> 08:15.040] He even shared a poem about the Fengqing battle, [08:15.040 –> 08:15.720] I think it was. [08:15.720 –> 08:16.320] Yeah, yeah. [08:16.320 –> 08:20.320] And he was using it as a metaphor for his current outlook [08:20.320 –> 08:21.240] on life. [08:21.240 –> 08:22.680] It’s so fascinating, isn’t it? [08:22.680 –> 08:25.520] Every aspect of his life, it’s infused [08:25.520 –> 08:28.720] with this unique blend of wisdom and wit. [08:28.720 –> 08:29.520] Totally. [08:29.520 –> 08:31.680] And maybe even a little mischief, too. [08:31.680 –> 08:32.160] Right. [08:32.160 –> 08:33.720] You can’t forget the mischief. [08:33.720 –> 08:36.080] He’s a man of action, but also a man of deep thought. [08:36.080 –> 08:36.960] Absolutely. [08:36.960 –> 08:38.480] A true original, that’s for sure. [08:38.480 –> 08:39.120] He is. [08:39.120 –> 08:41.200] And that’s what makes him so fascinating to learn about. [08:41.200 –> 08:44.120] And I think his story is a good reminder for all of us [08:44.120 –> 08:47.360] that we don’t have to fit neatly into any one box, right? [08:47.360 –> 08:49.360] Like, Cao’s story is a testament [08:49.360 –> 08:54.760] to the power of authenticity, to staying true to your values, [08:54.760 –> 08:58.320] even when it means challenging conventions, taking risks, [08:58.320 –> 09:00.440] living proof that real impact comes [09:00.440 –> 09:03.480] from aligning your actions with your beliefs no matter what. [09:03.480 –> 09:05.560] No matter the cost. [09:05.560 –> 09:07.760] Well, listeners, I think that’s something for all of us [09:07.760 –> 09:08.360] to think about. [09:08.360 –> 09:09.960] It really is.