Chai Jing Quotes

Powerful Chai Jing for Daily Growth

About Chai Jing

Chai Jing, a renowned Chinese journalist and documentarian, was born on September 19, 1978, in Liaoning Province, China. She grew up during the era of rapid economic growth and political reform, which significantly influenced her perspective and career choices. After graduating from Peking University with a degree in journalism, Chai Jing began her professional journey at the state-owned China Central Television (CCTV). Her work there included reporting on major global events such as the SARS outbreak and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. However, it was her self-produced documentary, "Under the Dome" (2015), that catapulted Chai Jing to international prominence. This groundbreaking work exposed the devastating environmental impacts of China's rapid industrialization and sparked a nationwide discussion on air pollution. The documentary was viewed over 200 million times within China before being removed by censors, demonstrating its powerful impact. Chai Jing's life and work are deeply influenced by her commitment to truth-telling and social justice. In 2017, she co-founded the online media platform "Zhongguo Qihu" (China Hush) to continue investigative journalism in the face of increasing censorship. Despite facing criticism and backlash for her work, Chai Jing remains undeterred, using her platform to advocate for environmental protection, transparency, and individual empowerment. Her quotes reflect her steadfast determination: "The most powerful force in the world is Compassion combined with Action." And, "Real change comes from within us; it starts with what we choose to care about."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy."

This quote suggests that when one engages in actions stemming from their deepest self (their soul), they experience a profound sense of fulfillment, similar to a joyous current flowing within them. It emphasizes the importance of authenticity and following one's inner passions for a satisfying life experience.


"The world's first love is still nature."

This quote suggests that our original, innate affection is for nature itself. It emphasizes that our connection to the natural world predates all other human interests or endeavors. In essence, it underscores the importance of cherishing and preserving nature as a fundamental aspect of our existence and humanity.


"I can hear the trees calling my name, reminding me of my roots and where I come from."

This quote by Chai Jing emphasizes a deep connection to one's origin and nature. The "trees" symbolize not just literal trees but also the essence of nature and one's ancestry, roots, or beginnings. The idea is that, amid life's complexities, there exists an innate pull towards one's origins, a reminder of where we stem from and what shapes our identity at its core. This connection to our roots can serve as a source of inspiration, guidance, and grounding during our personal and professional journeys.


"We are not here to destroy the world, but to protect it."

This quote by Chai Jing emphasizes our role as human beings on Earth – not as destructive forces, but as guardians and stewards of the planet. It encourages us to prioritize preservation over exploitation, and to take responsibility for protecting the world we inhabit for future generations.


"If you want to change the world, start with yourself."

The quote "If you want to change the world, start with yourself" by Chai Jing emphasizes that meaningful change begins at an individual level. It suggests that every person has the power to effect positive changes within their own lives and communities, and these personal transformations can ripple outwards, creating larger societal impacts over time. This quote encourages each of us to take responsibility for our own actions, to be mindful of our behaviors, and to strive for growth and improvement – as these efforts can contribute to a better world for all.


The strongest governments on earth cannot clean up pollution by themselves. They must rely on each ordinary person, like you and me, on our choices, and on our will.

- Chai Jing

Will, Like, Clean Up, Rely

Do you know how much coal China burns? In 2013, we already were burning 3.6 billion tons. And do you know how much coal the rest of the world burns? We burn more than the rest of the world combined.

- Chai Jing

Rest, Burn, More, Tons

Environmental protection and economic development are not in conflict. Environmental protection is not a burden but a source for innovation. It can increase competition, create jobs, and lifts the economy.

- Chai Jing

Innovation, Development, Economic

Half of the days in 2014, I had to confine my daughter to my home like a prisoner because the air quality in Beijing was so poor. One morning, I saw my daughter banging on the window... The day will come when she asks me, 'Why do you keep me here? What is going to hurt me when I go outside?'

- Chai Jing

Here, Half, Prisoner, Banging

I'd never felt afraid of pollution before and never wore a mask no matter where. But when you carry a life in you, what she breathes, eats and drinks are all your responsibility; then you feel the fear.

- Chai Jing

Feel, Before, Drinks, Mask

The reform and opening up of China hasn't been happening quite the way we've been told, like a small bird breaking out of its egg. Its more like a cicada shedding its skin, emerging ever so slowly. Energy is the last part of that shell that needs to be shed.

- Chai Jing

Small, Been, Shed, Emerging

Looking back on humanity's battle with pollution, history has been made by thousands of ordinary people who one day say, 'No. I'm not satisfied. I don't want to wait, and I don't want to pass the buck. I want to stand up and do something. I want to do it here, and I want do to it now.'

- Chai Jing

Looking Back, Here, Been, Buck

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