Everyone has the right to choose their own path in life. Some aspire to go into business, while others choose to enter politics. This is perfectly reasonable. However, it is crucial to recognize that business and politics are two fundamentally different paths, requiring distinct values and mentalities.

For business people, maximizing profit is a basic principle of the market economy. Entrepreneurs who acquire wealth through legitimate means not only realize their personal value but also create jobs, generate tax revenue, and drive economic growth. Such profit-seeking behavior is justified in the commercial sphere and serves as the driving force behind economic development.

However, those who enter politics must adopt a completely different set of values. The government is not a profit-making institution, and public servants are not business people. The sole purpose of politicians should be to serve the people and contribute to the nation. If commercial thinking is brought into politics and public power is treated as a tool for personal gain, it will inevitably lead to rent-seeking and corruption.

Throughout history, the most revered statesmen have always prioritized the greater good. Fan Zhongyan’s spirit of “worrying about the world’s troubles before others and enjoying its joys after others,” and Lin Zexu’s commitment of “devoting myself to the nation’s interests, regardless of personal fortune or misfortune,” exemplify the qualities that true politicians should possess. This selfless dedication stands in stark contrast to the profit-maximizing values of business people.

Modern society needs to clearly distinguish between the different value orientations of business and politics. Those who aspire to engage in commerce should be allowed to showcase their talents in the business world, while those who aim to enter politics should realize their ideals by serving the people. Only in this way can we establish a clean and honest political ecosystem and promote the healthy development of society. Everyone should choose the path that aligns with their life goals and values, contributing to society in their respective fields.