Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes that wealth accumulation is primarily a privilege for a minority, and ordinary individuals face significant challenges in breaking through socioeconomic barriers solely through labor [1][2]. Group 1: Traps Ordinary People Face - **Follow-the-Trend Trap**: Many individuals fall into the trap of joining popular trends, such as opening a milk tea shop or investing in a rising stock market, often resulting in financial losses [3][4]. - **Get-Rich-Quick Trap**: Courses promising high income with no prior experience are often misleading, teaching deceptive practices rather than legitimate wealth-building strategies [5][6]. - **Consumption Trap**: Excessive spending on luxury items and lifestyle choices can lead to financial instability, with appearances often misleading about true wealth [7][8]. Group 2: Five Golden Paths for Ordinary People - **Cognitive Monetization**: Individuals can leverage skills, such as programming, to create income opportunities, moving away from physical labor competition [9]. - **Side Business Leverage**: Engaging in side jobs, from ride-sharing to knowledge-based services, can significantly increase income without full-time commitment [10]. - **Low-Cost Entrepreneurship**: Starting small businesses with minimal investment can yield substantial profits, emphasizing the importance of testing ideas before scaling [11]. - **Counterintuitive Investment**: Regular investment in index funds, such as the CSI 300, can outperform most retail investors over time [13]. - **Networking for Profit**: Building and leveraging professional relationships can create additional income streams through referrals and collaborations [12]. Group 3: Ultimate Truths and Actionable Steps - **Time Over Money**: Investing time in skill development can lead to exponential income growth compared to traditional labor [14]. - **Risk Management Over All-In Betting**: Maintaining a financial safety net is crucial before pursuing high-risk ventures [14]. - **Focus Over Trend-Chasing**: Specializing in niche markets can yield better financial returns than general knowledge [14]. - **Rejecting Consumerism**: Prioritizing savings over luxury purchases is essential for building wealth [14]. - **Immediate Actions**: Individuals are encouraged to assess their skills, cut unnecessary expenses, and engage with high-value networks to enhance their financial prospects [14].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the transformation of Zhao Xiaoyong from a mass-production oil painter in Dafen Village, Shenzhen, to an original artist, highlighting the impact of the documentary "Chinese Van Gogh" on his artistic journey and the changing landscape of the oil painting industry in China. Group 1: Zhao Xiaoyong's Background and Transformation - Zhao Xiaoyong, born in 1972, became a painter in Dafen Village after a difficult upbringing, where he initially worked as a laborer and apprentice [3][4]. - At the peak of Dafen Village's oil painting industry, he could receive large orders, with 70% of oil paintings in the U.S. market sourced from China, primarily Shenzhen [3][4]. - The documentary "Chinese Van Gogh" inspired Zhao to pursue original art rather than just copying famous works, leading to a personal and professional transformation [4][11]. Group 2: Current Artistic Endeavors - In January of this year, Zhao held his first original art exhibition in Shenzhen, although it was modestly attended [5][6]. - His original works reflect his experiences and the changes in Dafen Village over the past few decades, capturing the essence of life as a painter [19][20]. - Zhao's wife, who also works as a painter, represents a contrasting approach, focusing on reproducing famous works while Zhao seeks to establish his unique style [22][36]. Group 3: Industry Changes and Challenges - The demand for mass-produced oil paintings has significantly declined, leading to the disappearance of many traditional oil painting factories in Dafen Village [43][51]. - The village is evolving into a hub for original artists, but many still associate it with low-cost, mass-produced art [45][50]. - The rise of AI-generated art has not yet significantly impacted the traditional oil painting market, as hand-painted art remains valued for its uniqueness and craftsmanship [50].