Core Viewpoint - The book "The Botany of Desire" by Michael Pollan presents a non-anthropocentric perspective on the domestication of plants, highlighting a co-evolution process where both humans and plants benefit from each other [2][5][12] Group 1: Book Overview - "The Botany of Desire" explores the domestication of crops like apples, tulips, cannabis, and potatoes as a collaborative evolution between humans and plants [2] - The book was initially translated by Wang Yi and published by Shanghai People's Publishing House before being re-translated by Liu Su and published by CITIC Press in July 2025 [2] Group 2: Influence of Documentaries - Pollan cites the BBC documentary "The Private Life of Plants" as a significant influence, showcasing plants' movements and survival instincts, which encourages viewers to anthropomorphize plants [3][5] Group 3: Controversial Aspects - The book contains controversial views, particularly regarding cannabis and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which may not be well-received by all audiences [5][12] - Pollan's criticism of GMOs stems from concerns about ecological risks, such as the potential for gene flow to wild populations [12] Group 4: Industry Reactions - The food industry has historically prioritized profit over public safety, leading to a need for regulatory bodies like the FDA to address food safety issues [13][16] - The recent "Xibei incident" sparked discussions about pre-prepared foods, revealing a divide in public opinion and highlighting the need for transparency in food labeling [8][9][10]

Group 1 - The article discusses the phenomenon of "involution" in education, particularly in China, where competition for academic success has reached extreme levels, affecting both children and their parents [1][2] - It highlights that parental involvement is not only about financial investment but also about knowledge, perspective, and time spent with children, which is a common issue in competitive societies like the United States [2][3] - The concept of "educational capital" is introduced, which encompasses economic, cultural, and social capital, influencing children's educational outcomes and future social status [4][5] Group 2 - The book "Parental Disparity" emphasizes that a child's future is increasingly determined by their parents' resources and aspirations rather than their own efforts, reflecting a shift from meritocracy to a system where family background plays a crucial role [5][6] - The narrative includes contrasting stories of two children from different socioeconomic backgrounds in Japan, illustrating how family circumstances shape educational opportunities and aspirations [6][7] - The article notes that the trend of prioritizing private education over public schooling in Japan has led to a widening gap in educational quality and access, reinforcing social stratification [8][9] Group 3 - The concept of "double-peaked" learning ability distribution is introduced, indicating that children's learning capabilities are closely tied to their family backgrounds, with affluent families producing more successful students [9][10] - The article discusses the societal implications of this educational disparity, suggesting that the pursuit of elite status creates a competitive environment that ultimately benefits only a small fraction of students while leaving many behind [10][11] - It concludes that the entrenched nature of parental influence in education perpetuates social inequalities, making it difficult for individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to change their circumstances [11][12]

Group 1 - The phenomenon of "involution" in education is prevalent in China, where both children and parents face immense pressure to succeed academically, leading to a competitive environment that tests not only intelligence but also parental involvement and resources [1][2] - In the United States, the emphasis on educational attainment and the right connections is similarly intense, with a focus on extracurricular activities alongside academic performance, indicating a broader approach to parental investment in children's futures [1][2] - The concept of "educational capital" is introduced, which encompasses economic, cultural, and social capital, highlighting how these factors influence children's educational outcomes and future social status [3][4] Group 2 - The book "Parents' Disparity" discusses the shift from "elitism" to a society defined by parental disparities, where a child's future is increasingly determined by their parents' resources and aspirations [3][4] - In Japan, the term "parental disparity" reflects the growing gap in educational environments, with a significant focus on private schooling, which is financially burdensome for many families [4][5] - The trend of "parental competition" leads to varying outcomes for children based on their family backgrounds, resulting in a widening gap in educational success and social mobility [5][6] Group 3 - The concept of "double-peaked" learning ability distribution is introduced, indicating that children's academic performance is closely tied to their family backgrounds, with affluent families producing higher-achieving students [6][7] - The societal divide in Japan has intensified over the past two decades, with the once-prominent middle class experiencing significant fragmentation and disparities in educational access and outcomes [7][9] - The pressures of educational competition are not unique to China, as similar trends are observed across East Asia, where parental resources and expectations heavily influence children's futures [9][10] Group 4 - The narrative of "uncertain love" in parenting highlights the struggle of balancing academic pressure with emotional support, as seen in the experiences of families in China [10][11] - The focus on academic success often overshadows children's mental health and well-being, leading to significant stress and anxiety among students [11][12] - The traditional family structure in China, where mothers often bear the brunt of educational responsibilities, contributes to heightened emotional conflicts and pressures within households [16][17] Group 5 - The book "Uncertain Love" illustrates the challenges faced by middle-class families in China, where the pursuit of educational success creates a paradox between a happy childhood and a secure future [14][15] - The competitive educational landscape in China is characterized by a relentless focus on high-stakes exams, which can overshadow the importance of nurturing children's individuality and creativity [15][16] - The societal expectation for parents to invest heavily in their children's education creates a cycle of anxiety and pressure, reflecting broader economic and social challenges [17][18]

Core Viewpoint - The phenomenon of "second-generation" individuals in various fields, particularly in the entertainment industry, is increasingly prominent, with family background playing a significant role in their success [1][2][3] Group 1: Eliteism vs. Parentalism - The formula for an elitist society is: Merit = Ability + Effort, emphasizing individual capability and hard work as the main determinants of success [2] - The transition from elitism to parentalism indicates that while personal ability and effort remain important, they are heavily influenced by family conditions, wealth, and parental expectations [2][3] Group 2: Impact of Family Wealth - The parentalism formula is: Choice = Wealth + Expectation, where parents' resources significantly shape the educational and career choices available to their children [3] - The disparity in opportunities is highlighted by the fact that some individuals, like Dong Xiying, have access to prestigious educational paths due to their family wealth, while the majority do not have similar options [4] Group 3: Rumors and Public Perception - The emergence of rumors surrounding wealthy families, such as those of Dong Xiying and Huang Yangtian, reflects societal attitudes and the public's desire for transparency regarding wealth and privilege [7][9] - The importance of an event and its lack of transparency contribute to the proliferation of rumors, as seen in the cases of Huang Yangtian's expensive earrings and the scrutiny of her family's wealth [8][9] Group 4: Social Commentary on Wealth Disparity - The narrative of past celebrities overcoming adversity contrasts sharply with the current trend where fans are more attracted to the "rich second-generation" image, indicating a shift in societal values [4] - The disparity in educational and career opportunities is further emphasized by the notion that only a small portion of individuals can benefit from the increased choices available, while most are left with limited options [4][9]