Long working hours equals Chinese speed?

Chinese speed has many facets. Long working hours are, in fact, a relatively minor factor in the rapid achievement of goals and success. One important aspect, it seems to me, is linked to preferred ways of thinking. Western thinking often draws on a concept of truth, the urge to discover »what holds the world together at its core«. This Faustian quest for truth shapes Western thinking, including that of engineers. Deep understanding before action.

In Confucian-influenced Chinese thinking, the concept of truth is rarely invoked. It is almost always about an immediate, practical application. Priority is given to finding the way, not the truth. Starting before seeking certainty. This is also just one aspect among others, and without judgement as to which way of thinking is truly the right one.