In 2024, I have experienced a lot and have many feelings. Just a few days ago, I saw a couplet in the square. Then, based on my own mental journey, especially some insights from this year, I would like to summarize.
Avoid causation, sigh at the state of the world, turn around and yearn for countless dreams;
Follow the will of heaven, refine the heart and soul, experience tribulations, and see the true self.
To explain simply, I used to be self-righteous, always feeling that once I reached 1948, 1958 would come soon (here, those who understand will understand, and those who don’t, don’t need to ask; anyone with a bit of historical knowledge will definitely know). I thought that escaping this land would make me a winner in life. After living in the West for several years, although life is stable, many facts have deeply educated me about my former naivety and shattered my original concepts. After experiencing all this, I believe I have a deeper understanding of society, myself, and human nature.
With this activity in the square, let me share some thoughts on society.
The Hidden Reality: From Animal Protection to an Exploration of the Essence of Social Rules
In modern society, whether it is animal protection, environmental protection, public hospitals, or the rights of women and children, it seems to be cloaked in a moral guise, becoming the 'voice of justice' promoting social progress. However, upon closer observation, you will find that these so-called 'protections' are often means for interest groups to satisfy the needs of specific classes, rather than truly serving those being protected.
“Selective Justice”: Examples of Animal Protection
Taking animal protection as an example, why is eating dog meat prohibited by law in certain countries or regions, while eating pigs, chickens, and cows is considered natural? Is a dog's life more worthy of protection, or is a dog's IQ higher than that of pigs? Clearly not. This choice is driven by catering to people's emotional needs and cultural psychology, rather than based on true respect for animal life.
Dogs are seen as family companions, and eating dog meat touches the emotional bottom line of humanity; while pigs, chickens, and cows are defined as food, depriving them of life becomes 'reasonable'. The contradiction here is self-evident: the so-called protection of animals is not about life itself, but rather about serving the balance of social emotions and the compromise of commercial interests.
The 'Noble Packaging': A Comparison Between the West and China
In the West, these interest-driven rules are wrapped in exquisite packaging. In the name of morality, law, and public welfare, they hide the underlying capital operations, making the public willingly accept these rules. In China, this process appears much more naked.
For example, China's recent 'refined management' measures: dismantling traditional stoves, prohibiting firecrackers, banning straw burning, promoting non-seed-retaining genetically modified seeds, etc., which seem to pursue lofty environmental goals, are actually more about pushing the agenda of certain interest groups. The controversy surrounding these measures arises precisely because they were introduced too roughly in some areas, failing to find an appropriate balance.
The 'Space of Freedom' and Boundaries of Interest
Upon careful observation, you will find that when conflicts of interest in a certain field are weak, the public can instead gain some freedom of speech. For example, in some areas that have not yet fallen under capital monopoly, people can question central or local policies. However, once conflicts of interest arise, these freedoms are often quickly suppressed. This shows that the so-called freedom is often just an accidental product outside of conflicts of interest, rather than a true right belonging to the public.
The Lonely One Who 'Displeases Everyone'
For those who can see the essence of these rules, the world often seems extraordinarily lonely. In China, it may be called 'reactionary'; in the West, it might be labeled as a 'threat'; and among those promoting immigration, it's seen as ungrateful. Such a state seems destined to make us 'nonconformists'.
The Possibility of Reshaping Rules
These thoughts ultimately point not to a complete denial of reality, but to a higher-dimensional expectation—a social rule not hijacked by existing interest groups. Establishing such rules is like buying an island to establish a nation; it sounds unattainable, but behind it lies a yearning for true fairness and freedom.
I hope to find more like-minded friends here.