A Pen-built Virtue Paradise: Writing to explore the alternative good
Through professional journalism and high-quality writing, we challenge the mainstream, reflect on the commonly accepted lifestyles and power structures we take for granted, and pursue progress—working toward a better society defined by autonomy and freedom.
Our logo is composed of a lamb’s head and a pen.
The logo graphic of the lamb’s head is the pictorial image of the Chinese character for lamb which is modernly written as “羊”, evolving from the ancient character of 
, a simplified drawing of a lamb.
In ancient China, lambs were regarded as excellent food, later referred to the symbol of being good. Thus the writing of many Chinese characters with meaning or elements of being good comprise a lamb “羊”. These Chinese characters are such as “美” (beauty), “善” (virtue), “義” (righteousness), “羨” (admiration) and “祥” (luck and peace).
The Chinese name of this online journal is “守善”, in which “守” means “abide by” and “善” the good or virtue. Two characters joining together literally denote abiding by the goal of achieving the good and virtue.
In today’s world, access to information, writing, freedom of expression and freedom of the press are essential to building a better society. The Virtue Online Journal (VOJ), which follows the professional principles of journalism and thoughtful public commentary, reports facts, provides reasoned analysis, examine the mainstream with independent thinking, and reflects on everyday norms and established notions of authority. Through this, we seek genuine goodness and strive to realise autonomy and freedom.
The VOJ writes on the following three areas:
1. Safeguard Hong Kong · Sustain its Civic Culture – Hong Kong has a remarkable and complex history. Over time, it has brought together diverse cultures and undergone important cultural development and renewal. Building on this heritage, VOJ seeks to safeguard these progressive cultural traditions while paying close attention to Hong Kong’s public affairs. Through reporting and analysis of current issues, we aim to serve as a platform for public discussion and contribute to social progress.
2. Sustainable Economy · Livelihood for All – In many places considered the most “advanced” in today’s world, rapid technological development and apparent prosperity often conceal deeper problems: widening social inequality, widespread exploitation, and heavy physical and psychological burdens on people. At the same time, overproduction and unchecked development have caused serious damage to the natural world and immense suffering for many species. The dominant capitalist economic model therefore requires reflection and reform. VOJ explores the possibility of a sustainable economic system in which humanity and the Earth can coexist peacefully and thrive together, while paying attention to sustainable ways of living and ecological care.
3. The Virtue Jigsaw of Good Works · Building a Better Society – One important role of journalism is to examine the shortcomings of society and to help imagine better possibilities for the future. Across society, many people are already taking part in meaningful initiatives—animal protection, artistic activism and many other forms of social engagement. Each of these efforts contributes a piece to a larger picture, gradually helping to build a better and more humane society.
Writing, for the exploration of the alternative good.
