5 Life lessons from 10 years in China | Cyrus Janssen | TEDxYouth@GrandviewHeights

Cyrus Janssen is the “Unofficial Ambassador of the United States and China Relationship”. An American expat for over 14 years, Cyrus has a passion for building bridges between Western countries and China. In his TEDx talk, Cyrus looks to inspire the youth of today with an inspirational speech, discussing five of the biggest lessons he learned from his decade long journey of living in China. Cyrus Janssen is a keynote speaker, international business consultant, and social media influencer. You can connect with him on his website: www.cyrusjanssen.com and follow his KZbin channel for weekly insights into China: / cyrusjanssen This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@zeissiez]

I have traveled to over 50 countries. I don’t recall any country that I don’t like. People are generally good, just different. If you smile at people, more often than not, they will smile back. But unfortunately, politics make the world look much uglier than it really is.

[@chrisryu2179]

It's all business for those top 1% elites. They control the information for their agenda.

[@dazongeu379]

agree totally

[@CyrusJanssen]

Well said! I have experienced the same in my travels around the world

[@cliz305]

yes!

[@finelife6019]

You are so right. I’ve been to many countries and the people are all wonderful. Politicians are always hungry for money and power so they need to get people to fight each other so they can elevate their status.

[@singstar7362]

Cyrus you are truly amazing. Hope your speech can be seen by many more people. The world needs open minded person like you.

[@CyrusJanssen]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@natashagwebu]

This was such an amazing talk! I am currently living in China. I vlog about my experiences to inform people about the culture and really kill the ignorance.

[@pjwilsonn]

Thank you Cyrus, I shred your video with my grandkids. We have to stop the culture of hate and distrust.

[@CyrusJanssen]

Amen! Couldn't agree more Peter

[@teckchuonting4582]

You are so correct, sir. The world will be a much better place if everyone shows respect and trust to another

[@helicopter2616]

Please do that. It is needed now more than ever. The politics creates so much hate that is unnecessary. It is a pity.

[@linglizeng7276]

Thank You

[@alsetalokin88]

you must also tell everybody around you to stop consuming the rubbish that is produced by western narrative machines...detox your collective minds...right now. the world hasn't much time left

[@lab204forest7]

Cyrus, you are very inspiring and open-minded, you should give more talks at TEDx Talks or TED, thanks for sharing your experience in China and your observations, you are making the world a better place.

[@CyrusJanssen]

Thank you so much for your support!

[@stevechang6174]

You are such an incredible American with real open minded.

[@CyrusJanssen]

Thank you Steve for the support!

[@BAYREI]

Cryus, you are an inspirational model for young people

[@CyrusJanssen]

Thank you Bayrei! So appreciate your support!

[@patrickveterlogh4212]

That was a great TED talk, I've been in China for around 5 yrs, everything you mentioned was true facts!

[@CyrusJanssen]

Thank you Patrick!

[@FoodforThought12345678dsds]

*were

[@Rex-ww4cw]

@@FoodforThought12345678dsds was*

[@Hitamjoy]

you are a wumao i am sure

[@Rex-ww4cw]

@@Hitamjoy I'm sure you are a yimao

[@yullianc]

The way Cyrus explain his views is very clear, precise and matter of fact.👍👍👍👍

[@twlee3849]

Excellent speech Cyrus, hats off to you! You nailed all the points and I’m sure you must have educated, inspired and motivated those youngsters in the hall. I will forward this video to all my nephews and nieces to learn from you too. Thank you Cyrus. ❤️ Malaysia

[@CyrusJanssen]

Thank you for the support TW!

[@JohanFitFoodie]

Love this speech, I've spent 10 years in Asia in South Korea, China, Hong Kong and soon moving back to Beijing. Learning a foreign language, living abroad and learning about investing are all very humbling and life changing areas of experience. Greetings from a Swede in Hong Kong 🌆

[@garry137]

The world needs more people like the speaker: be open minded, be positive, and be active to experience things coming at you.

[@seafood_hater]

I'm here as a subscriber of Cyrus Janssen.

[@CyrusJanssen]

Thank you Tony for your support!

[@seafood_hater]

@@CyrusJanssen I was once a victim of the western mainstream media. My beliefs were shaken when I finally woke up from the effects of their brainwashing. It felt disorientating because I could not tell what was real anymore. Worse, I did not know who to trust anymore. I felt isolated from reality. Then I somehow found you on KZbin. After watching your videos, one after another, you have ascertained my new-found belief, that I am on the right side of history. Your presentations are organized; your arguments are logical, and the evidence you provide is unambiguous. You make it all seem like simple math! Your ability to observe, analyze and comprehend is beyond impressive. Thank you for helping me see clearly now. Because of you, I can wholly embrace myself for who I really am, instead of feeling ashamed for being a Chinese descent. I am sure that you, and those like yourself, have impacted many, many others like me. Please keep up the good fight. It is worthwhile. :)

[@KevinSolem]

@@CyrusJanssen Same her. Good speech, very inspiring.

[@jamesrocket5616]

Same

[@LoC28C]

You’re an amazing person Cyrus Janssen hope you have made a very positive impact on these young people there.

[@CyrusJanssen]

Thank you for the kind words and support!

[@zaydhrett4280]

"Never forget that we are similar than we are different."✨ ¦ 🌍🇵🇭

[@CyrusJanssen]

Amen!

[@vincentbao1695]

i was so touched by the story of meal with colleagues, this is truly from life

[@CyrusJanssen]

One of my favourite memories from 10 years in China!

[@men_jiao]

“Try it first; It’s ok to not like it ,but you must experience by yourself first” . I love this point you mentioned in your speech ^^

[@asadmujeeb1916]

Who you are and who you become, Never Forget "Family is very important".

[@johnli6782]

Every lesson you have cited is a life lesson to be taught, practiced, understood, and appreciated. It is unfortunate that the format only allows so little time to speak and pass on such important life lessons. There is no so called China experts in the US that is more suited to speak about China than you. It is a great service you are doing for the youth of both countries.

[@CyrusJanssen]

I appreciate that comment John and thank you so much for the support!

[@liuxifu]

Cyrus, really appreciate your sharing! You're a embassdor of friendship between the two countries!

[@jamesrocket5616]

Cyrus Janssen is a man of true wisdom, insight, and humility and will often think outside the box to understand and explain to everyone the complicated geopolitical and economic challenges that our world is facing. Kudos to him!

[@yinhoukhor7109]

I finally had the absolute pleasure to watch and listen to yet another great Cyrus speech/content!!! In a format that had time limitations, Cyrus has summed everything up to PERFECTION!!! A true genius!!!!

[@CyrusJanssen]

Thank you for the support YIn!

[@PeterJAebi]

i had a chinese partner for a pretty long time. so i had to go to thina once. it was 2005. in my mind were a lut of prejudices about china. at the first day already i was feeling home there. first i didnt understand it myself. then i realized that the unbelievable energy i could feel (everywhere) in china was similar to the feeling in my childhood in switzerland (in the 1960-ies). my grandmom had the same attitude as i met in china everywhere. my partner wasnt believing at first because switzerland has changed a lot. people is so satisfied with themselves thinking they are the best. since that time i made a lot of chinese friends allover the world. it is like become young again when i am discussing with them. we could learn so much from china and the chinese expats allover the world if we are open minded enough.

[@asleong29]

"We are more similar than we are different!". Very well said. Great presentation Cyrus. Well done.

[@arthurchan4466]

Thanks Cyrus for sharing your real experience in China!! I trust the bridge you are now building between US and China will be a magnificent and long lasting one, I can see the friendship between this two countries will re-establish through your effort!!!!

[@fazhihimalaya7562]

Thank you very much Cyrus! The world needs more people like you!

[@nayanankm1596]

Very good and informative speech...Salute you Cyres...From India...

[@mjyung]

Great speech, but I think a point to notice is that while Chinese have this long working hours they have the hope to have a better live in the future where as in the US many people are working the same and even longer hours just to survive.

[@CyrusJanssen]

Very good point John

[@fastshootmmmm]

That is the whole idea of US 1 % the riches ppl. Don't rock the boat.

[@Cecilia-ky3uw]

not sure about them working 60 hours a week considering the average is apparently 40 hours per week but im open to the fact that maybe the inequality is that extreme but I certainly doubt so

[@shawnlim466]

Love your lessons. Simple and straight to the point. Thanks for making the world a better place, Cyrus.

[@Rambovican]

Great speech Cyrus, totally inspiring and motivating!

[@arlinegeorge6967]

Great soul . So true Open mindset . Chinese way of life and so so beautiful. Not being judgemental . Inspiring. Thank you, bless you. All your dreams come true.

[@mcyamsmith8094]

Hi Cyprus, you are sincere and honest person. You talk straight to the point with simple easy to understand language. I work for LA SUPERIOR COURT FOR 10 YEARS. I know the Americans are peace loving people

[@mcyamsmith8094]

I am confident that one of these days, with your hard work building bridges and communications will soon bring the two governments, the China and the United States back to a friendly term and amicable settlement of the differences.

[@glsun6584]

Well said. Be open minded and respectful.

[@christianyang7595]

Another great piece of speech from Cyrus. respect

[@lamcso]

Thanks for your sincerity and inspirational speech. The world is for us to explore, beyong our comfort zones. If we do not step out of this zone, we are not progressing.

[@moyoyo7575]

Really nice speech and all of us should deeply think through.

[@chanhungkee7141]

The World needs more people like Cyrus. I take off my hat for this man

[@MsTepson]

Cyrus, I really enjoy your inspirational speech. Thank you!

[@pollywang9278]

Thanks Cyrus for sharing the experience, it is very valuable.

[@davestrong9219]

Thank you for this speech. I still live and work in China

[@kstan9623]

Well said and inspiring. Thank you.

[@vvishwakarthik]

I'm a person from South India, a city called Bangalore, a true Cosmopolitan, and I'm fortunate that my parents moved here when I was a kid. Many languages are spoken here, and I am fluent in 4 languages and understand 2 others. What I have understood thus far about languages is that they are not just a collection of words with meanings, every language consists of regularly used phrases that represent certain nuances which are linked to the culture of that region, and conversely, studying those nuances gives us an in depth understanding of the particular culture that is linked to the language. So, it's really really important to have an open mind when you are trying to learn a new language as if you don't, you'll never understand the culture and what all those nuances mean, and believe me, they can have a lot lot lot of meaning!!!😉😊 So yea, I more than just agree with Cyrus😌. I sympathize. (P.S.-For curious people- A bunch of phrases I've used also exist in South Indian languages 😄)

[@deepdude4719]

1. No matter what you do never forget your family 2. Save money. Work hard before spending. Avoid Debt and Invest 3. Learn Chinese 4. Have an open mind 5. Follow the 996 practice. Work from 9am to 9pm 6 days a week. 6. Find content in the common similarities and make friends. Great video. Thank you!

[@Myth520]

very positive speech

[@mesa4264]

Great speech! It’s so true “we’re more similar than we’re different”

[@fulllucki]

pretty good lessons from China.

[@jennyong6664]

Super super love his presentation....he should become a professor in International Relations

[@madmanjshum]

Thank you for sharing your experience and understanding of China. Cheers

[@tonyeclau]

I'm a much older man than Cyrus, but I totally agree with Cyrus. I have lived very much the way Cyrus advised. Great advice for young adults.

[@js0016]

Great Talk. Please move back to the US and run for president 2024 !

[@mn2966]

As much as I would support him, unfortunately he would never win. Because it has become politically correct to be anti-China now in the US. Heck, that is probably the only thing that the Dems and Reps could agree on, China bashing

[@Im-mono]

Trump 2024, lol, just kidding..

[@malakatan3235]

You need to sell anti China propaganda to run for president of US, it is already become tradition

[@ngym7]

@@malakatan3235 unfortunately true

[@deepseama3883]

Best speech

[@dawnli4061]

Thank you for such a touching talk! More important, for having such an open mind and willingness to share with the world!

[@l34han]

Great talk Cyrus!

[@mabanomet9879]

The smartest guy on China topics.

[@polarcoffee]

Thank you for a great speech. Hope the western world has more people like you, who tries building bridges instead of setting barriers

[@johnwong2336]

Cyrus, you are a great individual, always preaching peace and not war. Another good video. Love also the part where you take time each year to see your grandma. Always looking forward to seeing your videos.

[@emmanuelbuenviaje6564]

Well said Cyrus

[@bobjacobson858]

This is an excellent video. I'm glad Cyrus Janssen had this opportunity and is willing to share it with us.

[@viizii]

Beautiful talk Cyrus. It’s great that you had to opportunity to speak the truth about China on this platform. It’s a nice break from all the negativity people are fed. Life in China is fast, tough, beautiful, exciting, mind-opening, transformative.

[@Doomseraph]

Great speech!

[@Wunderpus-photogenicus]

A very insightful talk indeed. Kudos to you.

[@andyk139]

说的太对了，感动。差点儿哭了

[@marioleonl8800]

I commended you for all your good upbringing, eradicate or avoid prejudices and promote good will . Be kind and have a good heart.

[@michelles9931]

What a good speech, Cyrus! Narrow mindedness will only hurt oneself. You gain a lot more when you are open minded, just like what Cyrus has experienced. Good job!

[@dogapart4701]

When was in London my friend said to me " You know my friend people here in UK born in debt and die in debt". I was quite surprised and asked him why? he explained me very similar to your experience and replied don't think about saving use credit card first and pay later. Thank you Cyrus for your beautiful speech.

[@kiroszhang5530]

I literally laughed out at 4:20 when Cyrus saying Chinese people are good at saving. 🤣 That is so true!

[@lichungtchang4539]

Awesome speech!!!!

[@ThePaulchong33]

Well done Cyrus. Keep it up. Love all your talks - so understanding, logical & truthful.

[@kevinhuang8620]

Nice one. We need more ppl like Cyrus to tell the world what is really going here in China. T

[@JohnTMB]

Thanks Cyrus for your great and honest speech. My 2 cents, It doesn’t matter which culture you from, God fairest gift to mankind, 24 hours a day for every individual, whether you are a king or a pauper, use them wisely.

[@livefullwithAnny]

Great talk! Really touches people's heart! I can relate to a lot of things you say, because I am a Chinese who lived in other country for 7 years! Exploring other cultures and learning other languages are turely inspiring and incridible experience that shaped who I am! I really get your point! Amazing speech! Thanks for inspiring me!

[@moments634]

You are great, Cyrus Janssen

[@joylove8693]

Cyrus is a very sensible and genuine young man

[@translatenttechnologies5332]

Fantastic and Wonderful Piece Of Thought For The Younger Generation These Days.

[@mj3.14]

Like your lecture!

[@kohchinbong9638]

You have an open mindset, Cyrus. You will be a successful person in life. It was an interesting and inspiring talk.

[@xufengt.3049]

Very interesting! Especially in the speaker's emphasis about similarities between different cultures.

[@Qantz]

Thank you for yet another great speech 🙏🙏🙏

[@Knowledgica]

A great talk, many good life lessons to take away here.

[@SemanthaJen]

Excellent talk, so positive! That's what I need. What the world is like depends on how you see it.

[@SteppeOne968]

Enjoy seeing your videos Cyrus.

[@linmengshi2008]

Good speech, informative, and profound! Good job, Cyrus.

[@wmchan44]

The relative success of the Chinese people, whether they are in mainland China or as ""Overseas Chinese" (examples in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and elsewhere) can be traced to their believes and practices of what can be called the traditional Confucian's values. Some of these values are as described in this talk by the American speaker. One most important value not mentioned here is that the Chinese people believe strongly in educating their younger generations to the highest knowledge level possible. This value of learning had allowed the Chinese intelligentsia to catch up and excell the western world. The western politicians are still denying this trend and lied to their people with stories such as "stealing and copying" their IPs. Do pay a visit to the new China and see the facts for yourselves. Open your eyes and your minds to the new World order.

[@dennisjazzy2004ds]

I am Singaporean Chinese. Chinese in South East Asia "dominate" the economies of Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Our attributes; Hardworking, stress on education and high saving rate. Once we make money, we try to make the money grows,. instead of spending all away. And we willing to learn the languages of our adopted homelands. So you can see the winner of the Thai election, Pitaa of the Moving Forward Party is a Chinese. And the Thaksin family is Chinese Hakka. And in Singapore, we Chinese succeeded economically and politically. Chinese in all SEA countries can speak the local languages. Confucianist values are very practical for economic success. In Confucianism there is no mention of god,, it is does not deny the existence of God. So the values are religion-neutral. And can be universal values. The American has been living in a bubble for too long. Time to visit China and maybe come to Singapore for a tour. Seeing is believing.

[@wmchan44]

@@dennisjazzy2004ds I agreed with your comments. One caution we the "Oversea Chinese" need to take care is that the younger generations retain these good values and not get corrupted by the "easy going" western culture prevailing in our country. The duty of teaching these values lies with the parents who must have knowledge of such values as the schools nowadys imparts only knowledge and skills but not traditions and values.

[@wmchan44]

When I was a young boy my parents introduce me to a book known as 三字经 (The Three-Character Classic) The following 4 pairs of phrases are extracted from the 三字经 which most traditional Chinese people will knows. 人之初, 性本善 性相近, 习相远 (All humans are born with good nature. They started with similar nature but acquires differing habits as they age). 苟不教, 性乃迁 教之道, 贵以专 (If the young are neglected and not taught properly their nature will deteriorates. The correct way to teach the young is to do so with absolute concentration). This book should be given to all Chinese parents and youths to study its contents. It contains much wisdoms and values.

[@huili1651]

Wonderful and insightful talk! Thank you, Cyrus!

[@annoitedempress7776]

Thanks for that Spectacular Speech.

[@af664]

Great speech! You don't change the world with your opinions, you change it with your actions.

[@marceloreis2006]

Very nice talk! I agree with almost everything he said, I only think that working twelve hours a day, 6 days a week is not the best way to prioritize your family, not to mention the high stress levels it causes.

[@Puzzled_head]

Good talk! Keep up the good job!

[@minihuge3498]

Great speech. Great things learnt😉

[@carmenlajoie2719]

CGTN The Point-Hub-Heat, Einar Tangan-Martin Jacques-Lijinjing-Tian Wei. Luv your work Cyrus..

[@MariaAlvarez-sm8bv]

Cyrus, you are extremely wise!

[@SJ-zv3gq]

Great speech from Cyrus again

[@klaush.6662]

Syrus I just heart Your talk to a set of graduates. You impart very good wordly values to them, Was just wonderful to listen to Your wisdoms. Thank you for showing us the door of Sanity.

[@zaydhrett4280]

I'm just early. Good lessons for morning📍

[@czd55]

Beautiful message, thank you!

[@thathamstersilvi8985]

Wait I’m so early also this was a good ted talk :)

[@MignaZ05]

literally the best ted talk ever

[@gaditya4625]

This video is one of the best ones I've ever seen

[@strawberrymessage371]

I'm Chinese! I was born in China. Yes, our culture is super complexed that can nobe be explained. If you wanted to know the only way is to go by yourself to test it out. Learn them all in China the country!

[@jamesl.o.h.6000]

Thank you for this good information Cyprus