On genius, I have none. I believe that “there’s nothing difficult under heaven, only the unwilling mind.”
I didn’t originally understand the affairs of the Economy Ministry or the Executive Yuan. If I’ve done reasonably well, it’s through effort—learning the principles of interacting with people and conducting affairs. I also believe “there’s nothing difficult under heaven, only the unwilling mind.” People think I’m a genius. As for genius, I have none—I rose through hard work.
I went to the Information Commission and attracted attention by writing a memorandum called “A New Calculation Method for Power Distribution.” I wrote this while my work was extremely demanding. I went to the Resource Commission where there were so many capable people. The reason I received recognition was because I accomplished something everyone thought impossible—I moved the Lianyungang western power plant over mountains and valleys to Sichuan. That’s why the higher-ups sent me to America.
When I came to Taiwan, I quickly repaired the Sun Moon Lake power station and rapidly improved Taiwan Power—all through my own effort, achieved bit by bit through hard work. Because Taiwan Power performed well, I went to Nigeria for three years next. Returning from Nigeria and going to a conference in Greece, while there I received news that I was appointed Transportation Minister. All of this comes from hard work. If I can tell young people anything, it’s this: hard work.
I won’t even mention my professional knowledge. My principles for managing people and business management—I learned all of it from books, then did it myself, tested it, and experimented with it. Besides reading, you must observe carefully, thoughtfully, and attentively. Learn everything. It still comes down to one sentence: “There’s nothing difficult under heaven, only the unwilling mind.”
My only distinctive trait is this: I don’t accept defeat. I want to prove it to you. I figure out the way, relying on my own effort, self-reliance, unremitting perseverance, and never accepting loss.
I believe that with determination, anything can be accomplished. I’m not naturally clever, but I’m very hardworking.