世界并非注定如此｜我们的四分之一世纪

Core Viewpoint - The article reflects on significant events and transformations over the past 25 years, emphasizing that the world is shaped by unique actions taken by individuals and society, rather than being predetermined [5][13]. Group 1: Historical Context - The turn of the millennium in 1999 was marked by global optimism, with people celebrating the arrival of the new century amidst rapid economic growth and technological advancements [11]. - In 2001, significant figures like Xu Zhiyuan joined the newly founded Economic Observer, reflecting a period of change and the willingness of society to engage with challenging issues [12]. - The early 2000s saw a shift in the perception of migrant workers, with the "Sun Zhigang incident" in 2003 marking a turning point in the acceptance of urban labor [12]. Group 2: Economic Developments - The 2008 financial crisis, triggered by the U.S. subprime mortgage crisis, had profound effects on China, leading to a massive stimulus policy and rapid urbanization that transformed the real estate market [16]. - The Beijing Olympics in 2008 symbolized national pride, while the subsequent rise in housing prices led to government interventions, including purchase restrictions in 2016 [16]. Group 3: Social Changes - The year 2016 was pivotal, with a notable shift towards "consumption downgrade" among households, indicating changing consumer behaviors and market dynamics [20]. - The emergence of new internet giants like Pinduoduo and Kuaishou highlighted the potential of the underserved lower-tier markets [20]. - The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a collective reflection on life and societal pressures, particularly affecting young people's views on family and career [22]. Group 4: Cultural Reflections - A nostalgic trend emerged in 2020, with younger generations romanticizing the early 2000s, despite the ongoing technological revolutions that posed new challenges [23]. - The article concludes with a dialogue between a young journalist and a seasoned observer, emphasizing the role of the younger generation in shaping the future [24].