In Chinese culture, having a `积极` attitude is a highly praised virtue. It's deeply woven into the social fabric, especially in the contexts of education, work, and national progress.
Work and Education: A `积极` employee is the ideal: they don't wait to be told what to do, they volunteer for new projects, and they contribute constructively to team goals. A `积极` student is one who raises their hand (`积极发言 jījí fāyán`), participates in discussions, and actively seeks to learn. This is seen as a contribution to the collective success of the company or the class.
Comparison to Western “Proactivity”: The Western concept of being a “go-getter” or “proactive” is similar but often carries a strong individualistic connotation—it's about getting ahead personally. While `积极` includes personal ambition, it's often framed within a collective context. Being `积极` means you are a valuable, contributing member of the group, helping to build something larger than yourself. It's less about “disrupting” the system and more about “building up” and improving it from within. This reflects a collectivist value where individual effort serves to elevate the group as a whole.