We have enjoyed relatively high and steady economic growth for about four decades - between 1960-2000 - under the rule of former president Chiang Ching-guo, an exceptionally able leader who turned Taiwan into one of the richest countries in Asia. Percentage-wise, we have more university graduates even than the U.S. and many other countries. Naturally we are mostly civilized and well-mannered. Now, we should be more generous, more polite and thoughtful when we deal with foreign friends and visitors.