Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing issues within the American elite education system, highlighting that despite the passage of ten years since the publication of "Excellent Sheep," the core problems remain unchanged, with even more intense competition and increased mental health issues among students [1][3][4]. Group 1: Current State of Elite Education - The admission rate for top universities like Harvard has decreased from 6% in 2014 to 3% currently, indicating a worsening situation in elite education [3][4]. - The primary industries that graduates enter, such as finance, consulting, and technology, continue to dominate, with over half of graduates pursuing these fields [4]. - The systemic issues, including economic rules favoring the wealthy and the manipulation of admissions processes by affluent families, persist [4]. Group 2: Educational Philosophy and Student Well-being - The core philosophy of elite education, which emphasizes relentless competition and achievement, has not changed, leading to increased anxiety and mental health issues among students [4][5]. - The focus on grades and resumes over personal development and creativity remains prevalent, contributing to a culture of high pressure and depression [4][5]. - The impact of social media and the pandemic has exacerbated mental health challenges for students, compounding the existing issues [4][5]. Group 3: Recommendations for Reform - Suggestions for reform include eliminating preferential admissions for legacy students and athletes, implementing class-based affirmative action, and restoring public funding for higher education [7]. - Emphasis on improving teaching quality and reforming career guidance services in universities is crucial, as current systems often fail to help students explore diverse career paths [7][8]. - The need for a shift in focus from merely producing high-earning graduates to fostering well-rounded individuals capable of contributing positively to society is highlighted [6][7]. Group 4: Global Perspective - The issues discussed are not limited to the U.S. but are observed globally, with similar patterns of elite education and the associated pressures being reported from various countries [12][13]. - The phenomenon of "Excellent Sheep" is recognized as a global issue, with educational systems worldwide exhibiting similar characteristics of competition and performance pressure [12][13]. - The decline of liberal arts education and the reduction of humanities programs in universities is seen as a concerning trend that undermines the development of critical thinking and empathy in students [14][15].

Group 1 - The article discusses the contrasting ideologies represented by the candidates in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, highlighting political conservatism and a distorted form of neoliberalism known as "wokeness" [1][3] - Wokeness, which has gained traction since the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement, seeks to address social inequalities related to gender and race while promoting a multitude of sexual orientations and enforcing political correctness [1][3] - The article emphasizes the historical context of nationalism and its lessons from the 19th century, suggesting that the rise of wokeness has left many feeling uncertain about the future of globalization [3][4] Group 2 - The author traces the philosophical roots of wokeness back to postmodernism, which emerged in the late 20th century and challenged established truths, leading to a crisis of authenticity in contemporary society [3][4] - The book "Real and Virtual: Philosophy in the Post-Truth Era" analyzes the long-term factors contributing to the rise of postmodernism and its impact on global ideologies, including Marxism and neoliberalism [4][6] - The article argues that the scientific wars of the 1990s, which criticized postmodernism, did not resolve the ongoing crisis of authenticity faced by the modern world [6][9] Group 3 - The author proposes that a return to a philosophy of authenticity is necessary to address the challenges posed by wokeness and to understand consciousness and its origins [9][10] - The discussion includes the integration of scientific methodologies into philosophical discourse, suggesting that the legacy of 20th-century scientific thought can help navigate contemporary philosophical dilemmas [10][11] - The article highlights the relationship between artificial intelligence and philosophy, indicating that while AI can process language, it lacks consciousness, which raises questions about the nature of knowledge and understanding [11][12]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the Trump administration's decision to revoke Harvard University's certification to enroll international students, which significantly impacts the university's ability to attract foreign students and threatens its financial stability [3][5][9]. Group 1: Impact on Harvard University - The revocation of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification means Harvard cannot enroll any new international students for the 2025-2026 academic year, affecting approximately 6,800 current international students [4][5]. - Harvard's international student population constitutes about 27% of its total enrollment, and the overall international academic community at Harvard reaches nearly 9,970 individuals [4]. - The financial implications are severe, as international students typically pay higher tuition fees, with costs reaching up to $87,000 including living expenses [5][9]. Group 2: Political Context and Reactions - The Trump administration's actions are seen as part of a broader cultural war against elite educational institutions, aiming to reshape higher education to align with conservative political ideologies [10][11]. - Harvard has indicated it will challenge the government's decision legally, marking a significant escalation in the conflict between the university and the Trump administration [6][10]. - The administration's claims of Harvard harboring anti-American sentiments and supporting terrorism have been met with strong rebuttals from the university, which argues that international students enrich the academic environment [5][8]. Group 3: Broader Implications for U.S. Higher Education - The article highlights that the actions against Harvard could set a precedent affecting other universities, as the Trump administration has already frozen or terminated nearly $30 billion in federal funding to Harvard [12][13]. - The ongoing legal battles and political pressures may lead to a chilling effect on international student enrollment across U.S. universities, which have seen over 1.1 million international students in the 2023-2024 academic year [6][9]. - The situation reflects a growing trend of political interference in higher education, raising concerns about the future of academic freedom and diversity in U.S. institutions [10][11].