Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the historical and current land ownership issues in Scotland, highlighting the concentration of land in the hands of a very small percentage of the population, and the potential for a land reform movement among descendants of farmers [1][10][12]. Group 1: Historical Context - Scotland has a long history of feudal land ownership, where a small number of landowners held significant power over the majority of the population, leading to economic exploitation [3][4]. - The feudal system was officially abolished in Scotland in 2004, but the legacy of land concentration remains, with 0.025% of the population owning 67% of rural land [3][11]. Group 2: Current Land Ownership - The largest landowners in Scotland include the Buccleuch Duke and Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen, who have amassed significant land holdings over the years [10][11]. - The concentration of land ownership has led to a decline in local populations, as seen in places like Applecross, where the number of villagers has decreased from 800 to 250 due to rising land prices and urban migration [9][10]. Group 3: Potential for Land Reform - There is a growing awareness among the descendants of Scottish farmers about the loss of land and the need for collective ownership models to ensure long-term security for local communities [12]. - The idea of establishing collective land ownership to protect local farmers from capitalistic pressures is gaining traction, suggesting a potential movement towards land reform in Scotland [12].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the historical significance and implications of the imperial examination system (科举) in ancient China, particularly during the Ming and Qing dynasties, highlighting its role in social mobility and governance [1][2]. Group 1: Examination System Overview - The imperial examination system was a highly advanced and fair method of selecting officials, unique in the ancient world, and aimed at breaking the rigid class structure [1][2]. - Unlike modern civil service exams, the imperial examination was more brutal, with a long cycle and high costs, but offered substantial rewards for success [2][3]. Group 2: Impact on Feudalism - The examination system played a crucial role in dismantling feudal structures by allowing the emperor to appoint officials directly, rather than relying on a class of nobles [3][4]. - The transition from a feudal system to a centralized bureaucratic system began with the Qin and Han dynasties and was solidified with the establishment of the examination system [3][5]. Group 3: Social Mobility and Class Structure - The examination system did not significantly alter the entrenched class structure, as the ruling class was generally uninterested in promoting social mobility [7][8]. - The ruling elite designed the examination system to be a luxury, making it accessible primarily to the wealthy, thus maintaining low social mobility [9][10]. Group 4: Educational Access and Barriers - Education was largely inaccessible to the lower classes, with most candidates coming from wealthy families or those with prior educational advantages [10][11]. - The costs associated with education and examination preparation were prohibitive, further entrenching social inequalities [12][13]. Group 5: Regional Disparities - There were significant regional disparities in examination success rates, with southern regions, particularly Jiangsu and Zhejiang, dominating the number of successful candidates due to better educational resources [13]. - The centralization of examination opportunities favored wealthier areas, leading to a concentration of power and influence among certain families [13][14]. Group 6: Conclusion on the Examination System - The imperial examination system was an early form of meritocracy that, while providing some opportunities for upward mobility, ultimately served to stabilize the existing social order and limit broader societal change [14].