Holiday, holiday, holiday

I cannot believe this term has past so quickly. and I must say I thoroughly enjoy the study. Thanks Prof Tan, Prof Kwok, Prof Lim and Prof Sun. You all have done wonderful jobs.

Though from a science background, social issues,some of them are closely related our daily life and some of them promote deep passion of life, have always remained as one of my deep interests. The systematic study on sociology helps me to get rid off "the common sense" of way of thinking, to adapt "scientific approach" to study social issues. Like Durkheim, I think any meaningful study and research on sociology, especially, should lead to social reform and social actions, which is to lead a better society or restore the social solidarity.

At the same time, I share the pessimistic sentiment of modernization with Max Weber. The issues we are facing today were created by human beings yet are out of men's control. That leads us to further seek the ultimate solution, is there ultimate law to guide and control the development of our society, our fate as a nation or a human being?

To a question on American society "What is the worst social problem existing in American society today?" (on Yahoo Answer), one of answers was "Fear to be a human"

I feel this answer echoes many people's collective sentiments toward modern society. Despite of the abundance of material world and technological advancement, the social problems, such as inequality, terrorism, indifference, numbness, are increasing. Probably, the biggest risk of human society is to lose their creative edge, the ability to think for themselves.

I know many of you have chosen "sociology" as major without realizing the potential signification of such discipline. It is one of the most important "sciences", in my opinion, may alter the route of history, save the world from the "iron cage" and God's willing to allow human beings to be restored the harmonious relationship with nature and with one another.

It is our hope, yet the burden is on you and me. Students on sociology.

For now, let us enjoy our holidays, there is time to sow and time to reap; time to work and time to rest.

Wish all of you a wonderful holiday, Merry Christmas and Blessed new year. Will see you in 2008.