“When you live in China as a foreigner, there are two critical moments of recognition. The first occurs immediately upon arrival, when you are confronted with your own ignorance. Language, customs, history – all of it has to be learned, and the task seems insurmountable. Then, just as you begin to catch on, you realize everybody else pretty much feels the same way. The place changes too fast; nobody in China has the luxury of being confident in his knowledge… Awareness of your own ignorance is a lonely feeling, but there’s little consolation in sharing it with 1.3 billion neighbors.”

       -- Peter Hessler, Wheels of Fortune