Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen’s Motto and the Left and Right in the United States

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen’s Motto and the Left and Right in the United States

Carl J Chan

In her victory speech after being elected as Taiwan’s 14th President in 2016, Tsai Ing-wen delivered a powerful message of restraint and self-reflection: “Be humble, be humble, and be more humble.”

These words, spoken in the wake of a hard-fought election, were not just a personal mantra but a call to leadership grounded in modesty and awareness of one’s limitations. As the United States grapples with deepening divisions between left and right, Tsai’s motto offers a timely reminder for Americans on both sides of the political spectrum. In an era marked by escalating polarization and instances of political violence, humility is the bridge we need to preserve the nation’s democratic foundations.

In recent years, American society has been torn apart by struggles between left and right. The ideological wars—on issues from immigration to culture, from the economy to identity—have not only polarized debate but also spilled into the streets in the form of violence. The tragic reality is that the United States, once admired for its capacity to manage diversity through dialogue, has now seen a series of political assassinations and near-assassinations. These grim reminders show how fragile democracy becomes when disagreement loses its guardrails.

To emphasize humility also means recognizing that we are all human, not gods: subject to cognitive biases and prejudices, and capable of making mistakes. It means giving God space rather than deifying ourselves.

The Common Ground We Forget

At the heart of it all, regardless of our stances, we share a common pursuit: the fearless chase of love and individual freedom in a democratic society. Democracy thrives on respect for differences and adherence to the rule of law, not on demonizing the “other side.” It is time for both the left and right to set aside rigid ideologies and embrace tolerance. In doing so, we honor the foundations of our nation and pave the way for a more united future. As Tsai reminded us, true strength lies in humility—not in the volume of our arguments, but in the quiet resolve to listen and collaborate.

Democracy is not built on unanimity but on the willingness to respect differences and coexist with those we disagree with. If one side seeks to silence or destroy the other, democracy itself is silenced.

The Need for Humility and Cooperation

Tsai Ing-wen’s call for humility is not only for Taiwan but also for America today. Humility demands that winners do not humiliate losers, and that opponents recognize one another as legitimate participants in a shared national project. Beyond competition, political parties must find consensus and cooperation. Only then can government regain the trust of the people, and only then can society move forward peacefully.

A Return to Peace and Tolerance

The United States cannot afford endless cycles of vengeance, ideological purity tests, and political martyrdom. To break this cycle, leaders and citizens alike must recommit to the foundations of democracy: respect for differences, the rule of law, and the conviction that no ideology is greater than the human dignity it is meant to protect.

Continue down the path of division, or choose humility, tolerance, and peace. If America is to heal, both left and right must rediscover the courage to be humble.