如今越来越多人感觉到，这是一个巨变的时代，推动改变的核心是技术。只不过，这改变是福是祸？答 案尚未清晰。在一种普遍的迷惘情绪中，把握现实、描写当下变得特别困难。于是很多人（比如我）开 始阅读科幻小说，因为那些预言，尤其是以技术为中心的写作，已经变得非常现实了。 去年引进出版的小说《归零》，描写的是科技巨头赛·巴克斯特——他的形象让人想到比尔 ·盖茨、扎克 伯格、马斯克等著名宅男，智商很高，却不擅长与人交往，他们相信技术可以解决一切，全世界都是他 们的游戏场。故事讲的是，赛·巴克斯特开发了一个监控软件"融合"，可以利用摄像头和大数据，轻易 追踪任何人，为了把这套系统卖给美国中央情报局， 巴克斯特设计了"归零"测试，招募十个人，两小 时内相继"消失"，如果有人逃亡了一个月， 还没被"融合"抓住，就可以获得300万美元奖金。 总有一天，人类会意识到心灵的危机、存在的危机，我们终究需要寻找意义、寻找连续性和整体性。而 故事、文学就是在建立意义、连续性和整体性之上，成为人们心灵的归处。 1 《归零》 【新西兰】安东尼·麦卡滕 著 陈恬 上海译文出版社 2025年8月 这种垮掉，使得小说对技术监控的反思也变得含混起来，这 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the contrasting aspirations of the United States and China regarding their economic identities, with the U.S. aiming to bring manufacturing back and become a "producer society," while China seeks to expand consumption and evolve into a "consumer society" [4][5]. Group 1: U.S. Manufacturing and Consumer Society - Trump's rally in Pennsylvania emphasizes the push to keep manufacturing jobs in the U.S. by increasing tariffs on imported steel and aluminum from 25% to 50% [4][3]. - Pittsburgh, once a steel hub, symbolizes the U.S. manufacturing revival, transitioning from a deindustrialized "rust belt" to a center for healthcare and high-tech industries [3][4]. - The U.S. consumer society emerged in the early 20th century, driven by industrial productivity, with personal consumption contributing to 70% of GDP growth since 1953 [24][18]. Group 2: Characteristics of Consumer Societies - The transition from a producer society to a consumer society is marked by a shift in identity from labor-based to consumption-based, where consumerism becomes a core value [10][12]. - Key features of a consumer society include brand-oriented consumption, flexible employment, and a focus on immediate gratification [11][14]. - The U.S. consumer society is characterized by a high dependency on credit systems and installment payments, allowing broader access to goods [19][22]. Group 3: Comparison of U.S. and China's Consumer Societies - The article highlights that while the U.S. has a mature consumer society, China's transition is still in progress, maintaining a strong manufacturing base [39][40]. - In 2024, U.S. final consumption expenditure is projected to reach $17.8 trillion, significantly higher than China's $10.3 trillion, indicating a substantial gap in consumer spending [26][24]. - China's consumer market is evolving, with policies promoting consumption, such as the "old-for-new" program, which has already generated over 1 trillion yuan in sales this year [4][40]. Group 4: Economic Implications and Future Outlook - The article suggests that China's path to becoming a consumer society will depend on industrial upgrades and maintaining social stability, leveraging its large population and manufacturing capabilities [41][40]. - The potential for a unique Chinese consumer society model exists, integrating a vast market, technological empowerment, and a solid manufacturing foundation [41][40].