This channel is now on its 107th episode. I know that creating videos is a very different skill from writing. There's a learning curve in transitioning from writing to video, and I'm working on it. My plan is to celebrate in Colorado after completing this 107th episode.

For years, I've made it a habit to go camping in the wilderness almost every year. In these places, you might not see another person for days. For instance, I often go to a place in Colorado called Trappers Lake, which is at an altitude of 2900 to 3000 meters. There are no people, it's far from civilization, and there's nothing but wildlife.

In the wilderness, I might hike over 20 miles during the day and return to my camp at night. Previously, getting online in the wild was difficult, but now with Starlink, the internet connection is very fast. When the weather is good, I set up a shower system on my car roof using a five-gallon water bag. Taking a hot shower in the wild is a real luxury.

This reminds me of the 20 years I spent in Shandong. Back then, taking a hot shower was a luxury; we would usually heat a basin of water and pour it over ourselves from head to toe. After coming to America, I could shower with hot water every day. I remember a very smart person once said that one of the reasons he immigrated was to be able to shower daily.

Recently, I listened to Andrew Huberman's podcast where he mentioned that cold showers are beneficial for health, as they stimulate the brain to release dopamine, making one feel more energetic. This might explain why we felt so strong when we were young, despite the harsh conditions. It's like the old saying: "Use clear water to wash your head, and muddy water to wash your feet."

Trappers Lake in Colorado is part of the White River National Forest. Near a small cabin by the lake, I finally found a water source and took a shower. Although the water pressure was low, it was the most comfortable I had felt in days. It felt like my entire body and mind were illuminated.

Near that small cabin, I met a family from Dallas, Texas. Texas has a population of 31 million, making it one of the most populous states in the U.S. I often encounter Texans in neighboring areas like Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.

One time, in a small town, a man named Robert saw my license plate and came over excitedly. He was also from Dallas. We talked about our respective travel routes and felt an instant connection.

When you meet fellow Texans while traveling, there's always a special sense of camaraderie. I've lived in Texas for 20 years and also lived in Shandong for 20 years, but I never felt that sense of belonging in Shandong. For me, life in Shandong was more about wanting to leave than truly integrating. I didn't agree with the bureaucratic mindset and the complex social customs, a culture that stifles human vitality. In contrast, life in Texas is freer, and people can live the way they want.

Texans have a unique quality that's hard to describe. That's my personal feeling, and many others share it.

A few years ago, comedian Adam Carolla wrote on Twitter: "There's something different about Texans. I can't quite put my finger on it. It's not the accent or the hats. Oh, that's it—they are not scared of their government."

When I saw that, I deeply resonated with it. If a group of people is not afraid of their government, it's unlikely for that society to get worse. I've observed Texas and Shandong for a long time and found that the mentalities of the people in these two places are fundamentally different.

Over 20 years ago, I attended a discussion on Chinese culture in Boston. A professor (or perhaps a student) from Shandong University stated: "The 21st century will be China's century, not because of its economy, but because of its Confucian culture." He believed Confucianism would unify the world. At that moment, I saw looks of disbelief on the faces of the Americans present. The student from Shandong University turned red, at a loss for words.

Later, a Canadian political theorist named Daniel Bell went to teach at Shandong University. His Chinese name is Bei Danning. He highly praised what he called "political meritocracy," viewing the Shandong model as an example for China and even the world. This viewpoint is very popular in China, especially in Shandong. In that traditional society, the idea that "all pursuits are lowly, only scholarship is noble" is deeply ingrained, and people generally believe that obeying the government is natural.

This culture shapes a character of obedience, where lifestyles and values tend to be uniform. Now, it seems as if all of China is becoming a larger version of Shandong. The mentality of Texans is the complete opposite; they are not afraid of authority, which is precisely the trait Adam Carolla pointed out.

A few years ago, I took my gun to the State Capitol building in Austin. When you enter, you don't have to go through a complicated security check; you can bring your gun right in. The security guard at the entrance simply said politely, "Thank you, sir. Enjoy your visit." That's Texas. The building houses the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Supreme Court, and various other agencies. The government is not afraid of the people, and the people are not afraid of the government.

Director Chloé Zhao's film, *Nomadland*, introduced more people to the community of nomads. Every time I go to Colorado, I meet people like them. They may not have a high level of education and live simple lives, but I have great respect for them.

I once met a woman who was just like the protagonist in the movie, her face weathered by the elements, a testament to years of outdoor living. She and her friend came to my camper van twice, using very simple language to praise how "neat" it was. Their vocabulary might be limited, with sentences rarely exceeding five words, but their kindness was genuine.

In the outdoors, you meet all sorts of people. Once, I met a large family from Pennsylvania traveling in a huge RV. When someone runs into trouble, like their vehicle won't start, people around them will offer help without hesitation. This spirit of mutual assistance is very heartwarming.

I have lived in the United States for nearly 30 years and have observed a phenomenon: those who choose an outdoor life, wandering on the road, may not be wealthy, but they possess healthy bodies and minds. They have chosen a different way of life, one that is closer to nature.

The people of Texas and the people of Shandong have vastly different lifestyles and values. Behind this lies different interpretations of "the pursuit of happiness." In the Chinese context, "happiness" (幸福) is often simplified to "pleasure" (快乐), a pursuit of material and sensory satisfaction.

My camping equipment is very simple, just a tent. I enjoy experiencing nature, listening to the wind and rain, and gazing at the starry sky. It reminds me of my childhood in the countryside. That feeling is like a tiny speck of dust merging into the vast universe.

On my travels, I learn from every person I meet and everything that happens. In schools and companies, we get used to certain fixed ways of communication, but on the road, interactions between people are more direct and sincere. I met a family from Mexico whose language was simple and rustic, yet full of kindness.

This is like the contrast between the Colorado River and the Red River. The water of the Colorado is crystal clear, while the Red River's is murky. Someone once said, "Clear water can be used to wash your head, but muddy water is only good for washing your feet." This saying is full of life wisdom. Everyone makes their own choices, deciding what kind of "water" to use to cleanse their mind and their feet.