From Chinese Press

Pitfalls of unscientific research

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-10-18 08:04

On the pretext of spreading "national pride", some experts are trying to find "savages" in the Shennongjia National Natural Reserve in Hubei province. Such research is against the spirit of science, says an article in Shenyang Evening News. Excerpts:

Some so-called experts are trying to convince the public of the existence of "primitive people" in the Shennongjia National Natural Reserve to raise funds.

They think the money they collect by doing so will win them time to convince the world of the existence of "ancient people" and thus bring "glory" to China.

But this seems to be a move to trade scientific research for false national prestige.

No one knows whether Shennongjia "savages" exist, but the so-called experts have already jumped to a conclusion.

Many people usually mistake "taking the lead on the world stage" as a way to promote national prestige by whatever means possible. They forget that a country's true strength is reflected in the development level of its people and society.

Going on an expedition to the unknown needs not only confidence and an adventurous spirit, but also true scientific knowledge.

The researchers engaged in the "Shennongjia research" should be committed to their work, because it has the potential of changing human history.

(China Daily 10/18/2010 page9)