蔡榮聰 | Jung Tsai
走出中國
1985 年的電影《走出非洲》（Out of Africa）榮獲七項奧斯卡金像獎，感動了全球無數觀眾。這部電影改編自丹麥作家凱倫‧布里克森（Karen Blixen，以筆名 Isak Dinesen 發表）的小說，講述一位丹麥女子移居殖民時期的肯亞，經營咖啡農場，並愛上了一位自由奔放的獵人。由梅莉·史翠普（Meryl Streep）與羅勃·瑞福（Robert Redford）主演，這部電影的片名本身成為了一個經典的隱喻——它超越浪漫情節、意蘊深遠。
「Out of Africa」（走出非洲）這個短語的意涵，不止於地理上的函述。從科學的角度，它呼應了人類祖先——智人（Homo sapiens）——在約六萬到十萬年前離開非洲、遷徙至世界各地的演化旅程。然而從語言與情感層面來看，這個短語更象徵著一種深刻的轉變：從源頭邁向命運。
語言塑造認同。「我們來自某地」意味著對那個源頭仍有歸屬與連結；「我們走出某地」則象徵著蛻變——那是一種動態的、向前的自我肯定。這是進化而非懷舊的語言。
數百年來，除了原住民，台灣大多數人的祖先都源自中國。然而，當我們的祖先勇敢跨越險惡的黑水溝來到福爾摩沙的那一刻，他們的未來便走上了不同的道路。就如同搭乘「五月花號」的清教徒一樣，他們踏上一段未知的航程，開創了一個新的起點——新的意識與新的盼望。
人類整體的歷史，始終是「不斷前行」的歷史，而不僅僅是「從哪裡來」的故事。人類的故事，是想像力、創新力與勇氣突破疆界的故事。同樣地，今日的台灣人正站在歷史的關鍵時刻。我們的教育、經濟、人工智慧基礎建設與文化思維正以獨特的方式發展，使我們成為一個具鮮明個性與活力的新社會。「Taiwan Can Help」（台灣能幫忙）已不再只是一句口號，而是被全世界真實感受到的事實。
因此，我呼籲所有台灣人民在文化上、心理上與精神上都要勇於思考、勇於超越。讓我們明白，我們不再只是「從某處來」，而是「自我認定」。讓我們在任何地方、任何時刻，都清楚且自信地說出：
我們走出中國——（不是來自中國。）
這不是對過去的否定，而是對未來的
憧憬。
Out of China
The 1985 film Out of Africa, which won seven Academy Awards, captured the hearts of millions around the world. Based on the autobiographical book by Karen Blixen (writing as Isak Dinesen), the story portrays a Danish woman who moves to colonial Kenya, runs a coffee plantation, and falls in love with a free-spirited hunter. Starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, the film’s title itself became a lasting metaphor—one that resonates far beyond its romantic narrative.
The phrase “Out of Africa” carries meaning deeper than its geographic reference. Scientifically, it echoes the evolutionary journey of our ancestors—Homo sapiens—who left Africa some 60,000 to 100,000 years ago to populate the world. Yet linguistically and emotionally, the phrase suggests something more profound: a transition from origin to destiny.
Words shape identity. To say we are “originally from” somewhere implies continued identification with that source—it honors roots and connection. But to say we are “out of” somewhere signifies transformation. It denotes motion, emergence, and self-definition beyond the past. It is the language of evolution, not nostalgia.
For centuries, most people in Taiwan have been descendants of those who once came from China. Yet the moment our ancestors dared to cross the treacherous Black Strait to Formosa, their future diverged. Like the pilgrims aboard the Mayflower, they embarked on an uncertain journey that forged a new beginning—a new consciousness and identity.
Humanity as a whole has always “moved on” rather than merely “come from.” Our story as a species is one of imagination, innovation, and the courage to transcend boundaries. Likewise, today’s Taiwanese people stand at a defining moment in history. Our education, economy, AI infrastructure, and cultural mindset are evolving in ways that set us apart as a distinct and dynamic society. “Taiwan Can Help” is no longer just a slogan—it is a living reality felt around the world.
Therefore, I call upon all people in Taiwan to think boldly—culturally, psychologically, and spiritually. Let us recognize that we are no longer merely from somewhere else, but of ourselves. Let us say it clearly and confidently, wherever we are and whenever we speak:
We are out of China — not from China.
This is not rejection of our past, but affirmation of our future.