To the extent that traditions continue to have valued meanings, they are likely to be reproduced, but if people choose not to conform to tradition, so much the worse for tradition. In particular, so much the worse for those who hold political power who insist that tradition must be followed. For example, the fact that the Chinese tolerated, accepted, or even embraced often arbitrary imperial rule for centuries is no reason why they should embrace repressive party rule today. The people, not their rulers, must decide what they value.