Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the impact of "meritocracy" on individuals, particularly in East Asian cultures, highlighting how it leads to a sense of worth being tied to achievements and societal recognition [5][19][20]. Group 1: Understanding Meritocracy - "Meritocracy" emphasizes personal effort and achievements as the basis for social recognition, leading to a culture where individuals feel their value is closely linked to their accomplishments [5][19]. - Many individuals are becoming aware that their psychological struggles stem from the pressures of "meritocracy," yet they find themselves trapped in an achievement-oriented environment [5][19]. Group 2: Psychological Impacts - The article illustrates how early educational experiences can instill a sense of fear regarding performance, leading to a narrow focus on achievements at the expense of personal experiences and relationships [8][9]. - The concept of "phallic narcissism" in childhood is discussed, where children seek validation from parents, and a lack of recognition can lead to an over-reliance on external validation in adulthood [14][19]. Group 3: Overcoming the Constraints of Meritocracy - Suggestions for breaking free from the constraints of "meritocracy" include engaging in simple, enjoyable activities that do not require validation or achievement [15][16][27]. - The article emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and recognizing one's inherent worth, independent of achievements [20][36]. Group 4: Redefining Success - The narrative challenges the conventional notion of success, suggesting that it can sometimes act as a barrier rather than a goal, as illustrated by the case of an individual who left a high-paying job in search of meaning [23][24]. - The article encourages readers to seek alternative role models and redefine success beyond traditional metrics like income and status [26][30]. Group 5: Practical Steps for Change - Practical advice includes allowing oneself to "waste" time, engaging in activities without a specific outcome, and focusing on the sensory experience of daily life [27][28][29]. - The article advocates for building relationships that are not based on achievements, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance [38].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the mental health struggles faced by high-achieving students, particularly focusing on the case of a student named Ruisha, who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and depression due to immense academic pressure and expectations from parents and society [3][4][6]. Group 1: Academic Pressure and Mental Health - High academic performance can lead to mental health issues, with many top students experiencing perfectionism and anxiety, which can create a vicious cycle affecting their ability to focus on studies [3][4]. - Ruisha's parents placed significant pressure on her academic performance, leading to feelings of guilt and anxiety when her grades slipped [2][9][10]. - The societal expectation for students to excel academically can contribute to a sense of isolation and fear of falling behind, as seen in Ruisha's experience of feeling abandoned when she took time off from school [5][18]. Group 2: Coping Mechanisms and Self-Understanding - Studying psychology helped Ruisha understand her condition better and develop coping strategies, leading to improved emotional stability [6][21]. - Ruisha created educational content to help other students facing similar challenges, indicating a proactive approach to mental health awareness among youth [22][32]. - The article highlights the importance of recognizing mental health issues as common and the need for open discussions to reduce stigma [30][31]. Group 3: Family Dynamics and Support - Initially, Ruisha's parents struggled to understand her mental health issues, but over time they began to support her without imposing expectations [38][40]. - The relationship between Ruisha and her parents evolved as they learned to provide a supportive environment, emphasizing the role of family in a child's mental health journey [42]. - The article suggests that parents should focus on being a strong support system rather than imposing academic expectations, which can exacerbate mental health issues [41][42].

Group 1 - The article discusses the journey of Chen Yuhui, who transitioned from a corporate job to becoming a food writer, inspired by her passion for cooking and the need to break free from career stagnation [5][12][26] - Chen started sharing her breakfast creations on social media as a way to cope with her feelings of emptiness and to regain control over her life [18][24][25] - The narrative highlights the societal perception of cooking as a trivial task, contrasting it with the value of personal fulfillment and creativity in the kitchen [46][48][50] Group 2 - The article emphasizes the importance of individual satisfaction in cooking, suggesting that cooks should prioritize their own preferences over societal expectations [40][41][44] - It reflects on the challenges faced by individuals in balancing work and personal interests, particularly in the context of cooking as a form of self-expression [26][51][52] - The piece also addresses the broader implications of women's roles in society, showcasing how they navigate personal and professional identities through their culinary passions [54][55]

Core Viewpoint - Labor education is essential for student growth, yet its quality in many schools is lacking, with a tendency to prioritize theoretical knowledge over practical experience [1][2][3] Group 1: Importance of Labor Education - Labor education enhances students' comprehensive qualities and helps them form correct values, as practical experiences differ significantly from mere theoretical understanding [2][3] - Engaging in labor activities fosters respect for others' work and a deeper sense of responsibility among students [2][3] Group 2: Current Challenges - Many schools face challenges in implementing effective labor education due to a lack of emphasis, resources, and safety concerns, leading to a superficial approach to labor activities [1][2] - The phenomenon of labor education being undervalued is evident, with some schools treating it as secondary to academic subjects [1] Group 3: Innovative Approaches - There is a need to integrate labor education into the entire talent cultivation process, requiring a shift in mindset and innovative methods to engage students [1][3] - Creating a structured curriculum that connects labor education with academic subjects can enhance students' scientific attitudes and innovative spirit [3] Group 4: Educational Philosophy - The current educational focus on grades and performance, termed "meritocracy," often neglects the holistic development of students, leading to increased competition and anxiety [3] - A balanced approach that includes labor education, social practice, and experiential learning is becoming a new consensus in education, emphasizing the unique potential of each student [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes that for students from non-top-tier universities, personal abilities and enthusiasm are more important than academic credentials, and practical skills should be prioritized over merely pursuing higher degrees [1][2][3]. Group 1: Employment Market and Education - The current job market is challenging, and blindly competing for civil service exams or graduate studies is not cost-effective for students from second-tier universities due to limited competitive advantages [1][2]. - There is a significant disconnect between university curricula and societal needs, with many educational programs lagging behind technological advancements [1][2]. - Students should focus on identifying their strengths and aligning them with market demands rather than pursuing academic upgrades without a clear purpose [1][2]. Group 2: Skills Development - Students should abandon the "degree-centric" mindset and instead enhance their problem-solving skills and self-directed learning abilities [2][3]. - The advent of AI tools has transformed the learning landscape, allowing individuals to acquire skills like data analysis and video production in a fraction of the time previously required [2][3]. - Emphasis should be placed on practical skills that can lead to employment opportunities in small to medium enterprises, which value cost-effective and proactive talent [2][3]. Group 3: Career Strategies for Ordinary Students - Ordinary students should prioritize skill development over academic performance, as competing for grades in less prestigious institutions offers minimal advantages in the job market [3]. - Emerging skills such as no-code development and new media operations have lower barriers to entry, and platforms like Bilibili and YouTube provide abundant free resources for skill acquisition [3]. - Students should focus on real-world applications of their skills to enhance their employability and career prospects [3]. Group 4: The Role of Higher Education - The perception of higher education as a guaranteed pathway to success is diminishing, and students should not idolize degrees as the sole means of achieving their goals [12][54]. - The competitive landscape has changed, and while the difficulty of gaining admission to universities remains high, the job market for graduates has become more challenging [54][56]. - Students from second-tier universities should leverage their local advantages and industry-specific skills to find opportunities in their regions [27][58]. Group 5: The Importance of City and Major Selection - When choosing universities, students should prioritize cities with robust economic opportunities, as urban environments provide richer experiences and better job prospects [46][49]. - Students should pursue majors that align with their interests and market needs, as passion can lead to long-term success despite initial challenges [47][48]. - Utilizing AI tools for informed decision-making in the college application process can help bridge information gaps and enhance students' choices [49][51]. Group 6: Social Awareness and Practical Experience - Young individuals should cultivate social awareness and engage with real-world experiences to enhance their understanding of societal needs [61]. - Practical experiences such as internships and part-time jobs are crucial for shaping a realistic career perspective and developing essential skills [66]. - Active participation in social networks and communities can significantly enhance a student's visibility and opportunities in the job market [62][64].

Group 1 - The core issue of "defecation freedom" among students has emerged as a trending topic, highlighting the impact of compressed break times on children's health, with some experiencing severe constipation [1] - Approximately 30 million children and adolescents under 17 in China are affected by emotional disorders and behavioral issues, indicating a significant public health concern regarding youth mental health [2] - Despite a general decline in suicide rates in China, the rising suicide rates among children and adolescents warrant attention, reflecting ongoing challenges in mental health prevention efforts [3] Group 2 - Many adolescents are struggling with anxiety and pressure, often feeling unable to rest or take breaks due to a culture of high achievement, leading to a cycle of stress and burnout [4][6] - The phenomenon of children feeling guilty for taking breaks or engaging in leisure activities, such as playing video games, is prevalent, as they associate these activities with procrastination rather than relaxation [8][9] - The lack of opportunities for children to engage in unstructured play and relaxation has contributed to their inability to learn how to rest effectively [10] Group 3 - Adolescents often experience confusion about their identity and future, as they have not had the time or space to explore these critical questions during their formative years [11][12] - Emotional conflicts can escalate into serious issues, including emotional disorders, with an increasing number of children taking time off from school due to mental health challenges [14] - The dynamics of family power structures shift when children take time off from school, leading to increased parental accommodation but not necessarily addressing the underlying emotional issues [15] Group 4 - The repeated cycle of taking time off and returning to school can exacerbate emotional disorders, as children may struggle to reintegrate into the school environment after experiencing trauma [17] - Parents often misunderstand the role of psychological counseling, viewing it as a means to return children to their previous state rather than addressing the root causes of their emotional struggles [18][20] - The need for mutual understanding within family relationships is emphasized, with psychological counseling serving as a vital channel for fostering this understanding [24][25]

Group 1 - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the suspension of Harvard University's eligibility to enroll new international students, revoking its SEVP certification, which directly impacts the university's ability to provide I-20 forms and F-1 visa applications [1] - Harvard will not accept any foreign students holding F/J visas for the 2025-2026 academic year, and current international students must transfer to other certified institutions to maintain their legal status in the U.S. [1] - Harvard has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration regarding the international student ban, and a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order to maintain the status quo until a hearing [1][2] Group 2 - The incident reflects a broader struggle between populism and elitism in American society, highlighting deep-rooted issues such as political interference, structural conflicts among elites, and the politicization of higher education [2] - Trump's administration's actions against Harvard are seen as a political maneuver to appeal to his base, which is characterized by populist sentiments and anti-elitism [9][15] - The event underscores the tension between the elite institutions of higher education and the working-class sentiments, as many feel marginalized by the prevailing meritocratic system [6][8] Group 3 - The concept of meritocracy in the U.S. has been criticized for perpetuating inequality, as it often favors affluent families over middle-class children, leading to a perception that the system is rigged against the latter [7][11] - Trump's rise to power is attributed to his ability to channel public discontent with the meritocratic system, positioning himself as a voice for those who feel left behind [8][10] - The ongoing conflict between populism and elitism raises questions about the future of education as a tool for social mobility and its role in political power dynamics [16]

Group 1 - The article discusses President Trump's measures against Harvard University, including cutting federal funding and intervening in admissions policies, which has sparked widespread attention [1] - There is a notable divide in public opinion on Trump's actions, with some supporting the measures from ideological perspectives, viewing Harvard as a bastion of "leftist" ideology and blaming it for various societal issues [2][6] - The sentiment against elite institutions like Harvard is rooted in a long-standing tradition of anti-intellectualism in American society, as explored in Richard Hofstadter's book "Anti-intellectualism in American Life" [4][5] Group 2 - Hofstadter distinguishes between "intellect" and "intelligence," highlighting how practical intelligence is valued in American culture, while critical and reflective intellect is often marginalized [5] - The book illustrates how anti-intellectualism manifests across various sectors, including religion, politics, business culture, and education, revealing a recurring social sentiment against intellectualism [6] - The backlash against Harvard and similar institutions reflects a deeper cultural current of anti-elitism and skepticism towards higher education, which can undermine public reasoning and critical thinking [6] Group 3 - Michael Sandel's "The Tyranny of Merit" provides a counterpoint to the critique of anti-intellectualism by examining the responsibilities of elites and the ethical dilemmas of meritocracy [8][9] - Sandel argues that the obsession with meritocracy creates divisions and resentment, as it leads to a lack of empathy for those who struggle, framing their failures as personal shortcomings rather than systemic issues [10][11] - The phenomenon of Trump can be seen as a reaction to the arrogance of elites, with Harvard representing a microcosm of broader societal issues related to privilege and inequality [11] Group 4 - The economic context surrounding Trump's actions is explored through the lens of two books that address public misconceptions about economic issues, including immigration and trade [12][13] - "Good Economics for Hard Times" by Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo aims to clarify economic narratives and correct misunderstandings that contribute to societal tensions [13][14] - The book emphasizes the importance of equitable distribution and the pursuit of human welfare, providing a framework for understanding the economic backdrop of political sentiments [15] Group 5 - "Strangers in Their Own Land" by Arlie Russell Hochschild delves into the individual experiences of conservative communities, revealing their feelings of alienation and betrayal in the face of social change [17][18] - Hochschild's research highlights the emotional narratives that shape political views, particularly among those who feel overlooked by the government and societal progress [19] - The parallels between Hochschild's findings and the sentiments of Trump's supporters illustrate a broader trend of discontent among marginalized groups in America [19] Group 6 - Richard Hofstadter's "The Paranoid Style in American Politics" provides historical context for understanding the rhetoric and mobilization strategies seen in Trump's political discourse [22][23] - The book traces the "paranoid style" in American politics, characterized by exaggerated fears and conspiratorial thinking, which resonates with contemporary political narratives [24] - This historical perspective helps to analyze the emotional and rhetorical underpinnings of Trump's support, revealing a pattern of distrust and division in American political culture [24] Group 7 - Karl Marx's "The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte" offers insights into the dynamics of power and class struggle, relevant for understanding Trump's rise and governance style [26][27] - Marx's analysis of political maneuvering amidst class conflict provides a framework for examining how Trump appeals to disaffected groups while potentially serving elite interests [28][29] - The book's exploration of historical patterns of political authority and social division can inform contemporary discussions about populism and elite dynamics in the U.S. [29]

Group 1 - The core issue highlighted is the failure of meritocracy, where children from the top 1% of income earners outnumber those from the bottom 50% in elite educational institutions, indicating a deepening class divide [1][2] - The investment in education by wealthy families has created a cycle where elite children receive significantly more resources, leading to better academic performance and job opportunities, thus perpetuating inequality [6][7] - The admissions process in elite schools favors students from affluent backgrounds, as they have access to better educational resources and support, which skews the system against less wealthy applicants [8][9] Group 2 - The pressure on elite individuals to work excessively stems from a societal expectation that equates hard work with personal value and respect, leading to a culture of overwork among high earners [11][12] - The psychological toll on both elite individuals and their children is significant, with increased anxiety and pressure to succeed, often resulting in a disconnect from personal values and happiness [13][14] - The systemic nature of these issues suggests that individual success or failure is often more reflective of the broader societal structure rather than personal effort alone, emphasizing the need for systemic change [15][17]