《魑魅魍魉：我们的心魔和怪物的意义》 [英]娜塔莉·劳伦斯著 ，张凤香、白文革译，社会科学文献出版社 一部深入探索人类与怪物之间复杂关系的文化史与心理分析著作。作者娜塔莉·劳伦斯以跨学科的视 角，从史前洞穴壁画中的兽人巫师、古希腊神话中的弥诺陶洛斯，到《圣经》中的蛇与混沌之龙，追溯 了怪物在人类想象中不断演变的形象与象征意义。本书揭示了一个核心观点：怪物并非外在的恐怖存 在，而是人类内心恐惧、欲望、混沌与兽性的投射。它们是我们试图理解自然、自我和社会秩序的过程 中所创造的"他者"，同时也是文明与野蛮、理性与疯狂、创造与毁灭之间永恒博弈的隐喻。 《狮吼人生：奇女子巴斯妇传》 《伊斯兰帝国：十五座城市定义一种文明》 [英]贾斯廷·马罗齐著，郭玉红译，索•恩丨社会科学文献出版社 本书以7—21世纪在伊斯兰王朝变迁史上具有代表性的城市为切入点，如麦加、大马士革、巴格达、耶 路撒冷、科尔多瓦、开罗、非斯、撒马尔罕、君士坦丁堡、喀布尔、伊斯法罕、的黎波里、贝鲁特、迪 拜、多哈等，通过介绍城市的重要建筑、文化以及相关王朝或家族的历史，从空间和时间维度勾勒出伊 斯兰文明丰富多彩的历史文化面貌。 《亲爱的族人：菲利普王之战的新 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the duality of American culture, characterized by a relaxed attitude coupled with underlying anxiety, as evidenced by high antidepressant usage and a focus on individualism over community support [2][21][22]. Group 1: Cultural Characteristics - Americans often express a carefree attitude, frequently using phrases like "I don't care," which reflects a cultural norm of individualism and personal responsibility [3][4]. - The concept of personal independence is deeply ingrained, with individuals expected to take responsibility for their own decisions and outcomes [3][14]. - Despite appearing relaxed, Americans are among the highest consumers of antidepressants globally, with North America accounting for 47.9% of the world's antidepressant consumption in 2024 [2][21]. Group 2: Social Interactions - While Americans are generally friendly and engage in casual greetings, forming deep friendships is challenging due to strong personal boundaries and individualism [10][15]. - The culture promotes a sense of autonomy, where individuals prefer to handle their own issues without burdening others, even in challenging situations [11][14]. Group 3: Mental Health and Substance Use - The article highlights a significant mental health crisis, with approximately 23% of American adults diagnosed with anxiety or depression in the past two years, the highest rate among high-income countries [21]. - There is a cultural acceptance of seeking professional help for mental health issues, with many Americans opting for therapy and medication rather than relying on family or friends for support [17][18]. - The immediate gratification culture leads to a preference for quick solutions, such as medication for mental health issues, which can result in dependency and long-term challenges [22][24].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the return of socialist realism in contemporary Chinese art, exemplified by the TV series "Mountain Flowers Blooming," which reinterprets this tradition with modern characteristics [9][10]. Group 1: Artistic Characteristics - "Mountain Flowers Blooming" represents a revival of socialist realism, which had diminished after the Soviet Union's collapse and the rise of American cultural dominance [10][11]. - The series emphasizes the complexity of social relationships and the collective responsibility of individuals within a community, contrasting with the individualism prevalent in many contemporary narratives [8][11]. Group 2: Narrative and Character Development - The character Zhang Guimei is portrayed as a dynamic figure who mobilizes community support to establish a girls' high school, showcasing the collective effort required to address social issues [5][6]. - The narrative structure of the series allows for a rich portrayal of various characters, each contributing to the overarching goal of education and social improvement, rather than merely serving the plot [6][7]. Group 3: Societal Reflection - The series reflects the harsh realities faced by families in rural China, highlighting issues such as poverty and gender inequality, while also presenting a message of hope and resilience [3][4]. - It illustrates how individuals can inspire collective action and change, moving beyond personal struggles to foster a sense of community responsibility [11][12].

Group 1 - The core issue of modern society is the crisis of relationships, leading to increased loneliness and fragmented social connections among individuals [1][5][22] - The shift towards individualism, driven by marketization, has resulted in the erosion of traditional social structures and community ties, making it difficult for people to form deep connections [5][12][20] - The rise of technology and social media has contributed to superficial interactions, where individuals struggle to engage meaningfully with others [10][11][19] Group 2 - The current generation's understanding of relationships has changed significantly, with a decline in communal activities and a shift towards virtual interactions [9][10] - The concept of "emotional value" has become prevalent, with individuals seeking validation and connection, yet often finding these relationships to be fragile [22][19] - The need for a societal movement to rebuild relationships is emphasized, suggesting that individual efforts alone are insufficient [33][39] Group 3 - The importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of individuals within a complex social network is highlighted, challenging the notion of self-sufficiency [32][30] - The discussion around the balance between personal and collective needs is crucial for fostering healthier relationships [23][24] - The potential for personal fulfillment and meaning is linked to engaging with others and the world, rather than solely focusing on individual goals [24][36]