Comment on "Right mentality for society" (China Daily, Nov 25)

It is important for a country to have a healthy mentality, free of impetuosity and conceit. It is important, too, that it cultivates the virtues of humility, watchfulness and thankfulness among its people if it wants to maintain sustainable social and economic development and earn the respect of other countries.

Reviewing our achievements, we would realize that the cost of growth has been tremendous both in terms of resources and the environment. It is ironic that Shanghai's air pollution index jumped above 100 just a day after the 2010 World Expo ended.

To ensure China achieves sustainable prosperity, the government should follow the Scientific Outlook on Development and implement the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015) in letter and spirit.

The government has to do more to improve people's life because events such as the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Shanghai 2010 World Expo and the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games can bring only temporary glory to the country.

Ge Xiong and Ma Qian, via e-mail

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(China Daily 12/01/2010 page9)