陈赟：韦伯与中国的关系在中国学术界中也有非常多的讨论。 叶翰：为什么韦伯在中国会引起那么大的兴趣？ 陈赟：我想，其中的一个重要方面，是因为这涉及中国从传统社会向现代社会的结构性转型。韦伯关于 资本主义何以仅只产生于西方的系统论述，深刻影响到对现代性和现代化的理解，而现代性和现代化曾 是二十世纪最后三十年中国思想界的主导性关切。今天，中国学界更感兴趣的是他的中国论述。比如 说，他把中国刻画为一个"儒教国家"，即作为儒家文明的担当国家。我不知道您作为西方学者，从您的 角度，还会认同他对中国作为儒教国家的定位吗？这一问题关联着儒教跟中国，特别是当代中国，到底 是一个什么样的关系？对中国学者而言，这也涉及当代中国的自我理解问题。 叶翰：这是一个非常不容易回答的问题。我年轻时写过一篇文章说中国现在并非儒家国家。我当时以为 中国一点都不儒家了，因为儒家教育不存在了，儒家科举制度也不存在了。但现在，我觉得中国目前的 家庭教育还是有一些古老、传统的内容。中国年轻人接受的教育在很多方面还是跟西方教育不一样。我 过去没能真正注意到这点。 左起：段重阳、叶翰、陈赟 2025年6月24日，华东师范大学中国现代思想文化研究所暨哲学系教 ...

Core Points - The election of Mamdani, a self-identified "democratic socialist," as mayor of New York City has significant implications for the Democratic Party and reflects a growing distrust in capitalism among Americans [1][2][3] - Mamdani's victory is seen as a potential blueprint for the Democratic Party to regain support among working-class voters, but it also raises concerns about further polarization within the party and the country [5][6][10] Group 1: Election Results and Context - Mamdani won the mayoral election with 50.4% of the vote, defeating former Governor Cuomo [2] - His rise is linked to a broader leftist movement within the Democratic Party, particularly the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), which has gained traction since the 2008 financial crisis [3][4] Group 2: Public Sentiment and Economic Concerns - A Gallup poll indicated that while 54% of Americans view capitalism positively, this figure has decreased by about 7 percentage points over the past 15 years, with only 42% of Democrats holding a favorable view of capitalism [4] - The wealth disparity highlighted by figures such as the top 1% owning as much wealth as the bottom 93% has contributed to a growing discontent with the current economic system [3][4] Group 3: Implications for the Democratic Party - Mamdani's election has sparked debates about the future direction of the Democratic Party, with many voters feeling disconnected from the party's establishment [5][6] - His policies, which include tax increases on the wealthy and rent freezes, resonate with working-class voters but may alienate moderate Democrats and business interests [6][10] Group 4: Challenges Ahead - Mamdani faces significant challenges in governing New York City, including managing powerful unions and various stakeholders, which may test his political agenda [9][10] - The potential for increased division within the Democratic Party is a concern, as many establishment figures remain cautious about embracing Mamdani's leftist approach [8][9]

【环球时报驻美国特约记者 冯亚仁 环球时报特约记者 李静】编者的话：11月4日，来自民主党的"民主社会主义者"马姆达尼当选美国"资本主义 首都"纽约市的市长。这一结果不仅震动美国政坛，也引来全球瞩目。有观点认为，作为民主党左翼人士，34岁的马姆达尼之所以能够在该党建制 派不支持、共和党反对以及两党多名金主联合阻击的情况下获胜，与"越来越多的美国人对资本主义制度产生信任危机"密切相关。还有分析称， 不管是对日渐式微的民主党来说，还是对政治极化的美国来说，马姆达尼及其胜选都不是"明确的解决方案"：他或可为民主党提供迎战共和党 的"胜利路线图"，也可能加剧党内分裂，令其在中期选举中付出代价；他既可能进一步加剧美国分裂，也可能为"淹没在两极分化中的美国"提 供"潜在解药"。 " 民意发生了翻天覆地的变化 " "在这场票选世界资本主义心脏——美国纽约市领导者的选举中，民主党候选人、自称'民主社会主义者'的纽约州众议员祖赫兰·马姆达尼成功当 选。"韩国《朝鲜日报》的报道，一语道破了为何11月4日举行的纽约市长选举引发全球关注。纽约市选举委员会当天对97%选票的计票结果显 示，马姆达尼获得50.4％的选票，击败纽约州前州长 ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the failures of capitalism in the United States, particularly highlighting the widening income and wealth gaps that have accelerated during the pandemic and post-pandemic era [1][2][5][15]. Economic Disparities - The article presents data showing that the real income of the bottom 60% of workers has stagnated since 1980, while the top 10% and 1% have seen their incomes double [19][21][28]. - The wealth gap is at its highest level since the late 1930s, with the top 1% holding more wealth than the bottom 90% combined [25][31]. - The likelihood of children earning more than their parents has dropped from 90% in 1970 to 50% today, indicating reduced economic mobility [23][38]. Education and Opportunity - The article emphasizes the importance of equal educational opportunities, noting that children from low-income families face significant disadvantages, including higher rates of poverty and food insecurity [44][45][46]. - The U.S. education system ranks poorly in standardized tests compared to other developed countries, particularly affecting students from high-poverty schools [48][49][52]. - There is a significant disparity in funding between public schools in wealthy and poor communities, exacerbating educational inequalities [68][70]. Social and Economic Consequences - The article argues that the widening income and wealth gaps lead to social unrest and political polarization, with rising populism on both the left and right [97][104][105]. - The increasing incarceration rates and their correlation with educational attainment highlight the systemic issues affecting low-income families [82][84][85]. - Health outcomes are also negatively impacted, with lower-income individuals experiencing higher rates of premature death and poorer health [88][89][91]. Recommendations for Reform - The article suggests that reforms are necessary to address the failures of capitalism, including the need for strong leadership to tackle income and wealth disparities [136][137]. - It advocates for bipartisan cooperation to redesign the economic system, focusing on equitable resource distribution and improving productivity [138][139]. - The establishment of clear metrics for success and accountability in addressing these issues is emphasized as crucial for effective reform [140][141].

Group 1 - The First Amendment does not protect employees' speech at work, allowing companies to terminate employees if their public persona harms the brand [2][4][6] - Jimmy Kimmel's recent controversies have led to significant financial losses for Disney, prompting the company to reconsider his position as a late-night host [3][4] - The demand for Kimmel's show has diminished due to negative public perception, making it a business decision for Disney to part ways with him [4][5] Group 2 - The media's reaction to Kimmel's cancellation highlights a perceived hypocrisy, as they previously supported censorship efforts while now framing the issue as a free speech violation [8][11] - Turning Point USA, founded by Charlie Kirk, is experiencing growth with 54,000 new chapter requests in American schools, indicating a rising interest in conservative activism [9][10]

Core Argument - The article argues that the true victors of World War II were the Soviet Union and the Chinese people, who made significant sacrifices, contrary to the narrative that emphasizes the contributions of Western powers like the United States and the United Kingdom [2][8]. Group 1: Historical Context - The article asserts that the real beginning of World War II was marked by Japan's invasion of Northeast China in 1931, rather than Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939 [3][4]. - It highlights that while the Western powers were calculating their economic interests, the Soviet Union and China were engaged in a fierce struggle against fascism, with the Soviet Union rapidly industrializing in preparation for war [2][3][4]. Group 2: Economic and Military Contributions - The article presents data showing that in 1941, the United States controlled approximately 22% to 24% of global GDP, while the Soviet Union and China together accounted for only about 8% [21][23]. - It emphasizes that the Soviet Union allocated 28% of its GNP to military spending by 1941, while the United States maintained a relatively low military expenditure until the attack on Pearl Harbor [21][23][27]. Group 3: Casualties and Sacrifices - The article states that the total death toll from the war was approximately 82.62 million, with 62% of the casualties coming from socialist countries and colonies, while only 1% were from the United States and the United Kingdom [45][46][75]. - It details the staggering losses suffered by the Soviet Union, with around 27 million deaths, and China, which experienced at least 36 million deaths during the war [48][50][51]. Group 4: Misrepresentation of Contributions - The article argues that the narrative surrounding the war has often downplayed the contributions of the Soviet Union and China while exaggerating the roles of Western powers [2][8][82]. - It criticizes the Western powers for their delayed military engagement and prioritization of imperial interests over genuine anti-fascist efforts [21][22][27].

Group 1: Core Argument - The essence of capitalism's self-regulation is a misinterpretation; it is a product of class struggle rather than benevolence from the ruling class [2][3] - The welfare state and labor rights are not improvements from capitalism but rather concessions made under pressure from the working class [2][3] - The current state of capitalism is more cunning and financialized than in the 19th century, with unresolved contradictions accumulating globally [4][5] Group 2: Analysis of Financial Systems - The U.S. stock market is characterized as a casino of virtual capital, reflecting the deepening contradictions of capitalism [3][4] - The U.S. national debt is described as the largest form of virtual capital, relying on the exploitation of global labor [6][7] - The proposed "dollar stablecoin" is seen as a misguided attempt to salvage a hollow financial system, leading to further instability [7][8] Group 3: Implications of Dollar Stablecoin - The dollar stablecoin represents a new form of financial colonization, creating a dependency on U.S. financial systems in the digital realm [12][14] - It perpetuates a hidden global seigniorage, extracting value from global users while offering little in return [18][19] - The stablecoin system enhances financial surveillance and control, undermining the autonomy of individuals and nations [20][21] Group 4: Global Economic Dynamics - The dollar stablecoin threatens the monetary sovereignty of developing countries, exacerbating financial instability and inequality [21][22] - A call for international solidarity among the working class is emphasized as a necessary response to the challenges posed by the dollar stablecoin [22][23] - The ultimate solution lies in the abolition of capitalism itself, as monetary systems will always serve as tools of class oppression under capitalism [24][25]

Group 1 - The article discusses the critical point of capitalism, indicating that the "buying time" strategy is nearing its limits due to the disconnection between debt repayment capacity and economic growth potential [1] - The U.S. national debt has surpassed $37 trillion since the 2008 financial crisis, with ongoing debates about the debt ceiling becoming a political tool, suggesting that the "myth of American economic invincibility" is at risk of collapse [2] - The trend of de-globalization has been ongoing since the 2008 financial crisis, indicating a shift in governance that reflects a desperate response to systemic failures of neoliberalism [5][6] Group 2 - The article highlights the transformation of the "tax state" into a "debt state," where the burden of public spending is shifted to lower-income groups, leading to increased wealth inequality [7] - The ongoing rise in public debt and the inability of Western democracies to maintain legitimacy is illustrated by the rise of right-wing populism, particularly in countries that have ceded some sovereignty to the EU [10] - The EU's tightening policies have stripped member states of their economic sovereignty, revealing a governance vacuum in the face of cross-border capital flows [9]

Group 1: Philanthropic Commitment - Bill Gates commits to investing over $200 billion from his personal wealth and the Gates Foundation into global health and education over the next 20 years, focusing on saving millions of lives [1][13]. Group 2: Global Health and Vaccines - Over the past 25 years, annual child mortality has decreased from 10 million to 5 million, yet 5 million children still die each year, with concerns about cuts to vaccine and HIV drug aid in the U.S. and Europe [2][16]. - Gates emphasizes that governments should allocate at least 1% of their budgets to aid impoverished populations [2][17]. Group 3: Focused Investment and Succession Planning - The strategy involves concentrated investment over 20 years rather than perpetual funding to enhance efficiency, with plans to cultivate successors in philanthropy [3][14]. Group 4: Global Cooperation and U.S. Responsibility - Criticism is directed at the U.S. for reducing global health budgets, urging the maintenance of HIV and malaria programs established during the Bush administration, noting that U.S. global health spending is four times that of the Gates Foundation [4][21]. Group 5: Strategic Philanthropy - Philanthropy is viewed not only as a means to save lives but also as an investment in global economic and strategic stability, with a small budget allocation capable of significantly reducing child mortality [5][17]. Group 6: Technology and Education - AI is expected to transform education and improve global learning quality, while also addressing physician shortages in healthcare. The foundation funds research on HIV, tuberculosis, and Alzheimer's disease [6][36]. Group 7: Values and Responsibility - Gates upholds the belief that "all lives have equal value," ensuring efficient use of funds and acknowledging the extraordinary nature of his wealth, viewing donations as a social responsibility [7][15]. Group 8: Optimism for the Future - Despite challenges in global health funding and political issues, there is optimism about reducing child mortality to below 3 million in the next 20 years [8][16]. Group 9: Capitalism and U.S. Contributions - Gates expresses pride in the U.S. contributions to medical research, knowledge sharing, and philanthropic models, asserting that capitalism, while imperfect, has significantly improved human lifespan and welfare [9][32]. Group 10: Religious Views and Values - Gates does not adhere to a specific religious belief but aligns with universal values such as "do unto others as you would have them do unto you," which guide his philanthropic work [10][43].

Summary of Berkshire Hathaway's Shareholder Meeting Highlights Company Overview - **Company**: Berkshire Hathaway - **Event**: 2025 Shareholder Meeting - **Date**: May 2, 2025 - **Key Participants**: Warren Buffett, Greg Abel, Ajit Jain Key Points Discussed Trade and Economic Policy - **Trade as a Tool**: Buffett emphasized that "trade should not be a weapon" and criticized protectionist policies as a "serious mistake" [2][22] - **U.S. Economic Concerns**: Buffett expressed concern over U.S. fiscal policy, stating it could lead to a "terrifying" devaluation of currency [3][46] Investment Strategy - **Japanese Investments**: Berkshire plans to hold its investments in Japanese trading companies for 50-60 years, currently valued at $20 billion, and Buffett wishes it had been $100 billion [5][26] - **Cash Reserves**: The company has a record cash reserve of $347.7 billion and is looking for investment opportunities over the next five years [15][27] Market Conditions - **Stock Market Volatility**: Buffett downplayed recent market fluctuations, stating they are not significant compared to historical downturns [7][57] - **Investment Opportunities**: He mentioned a near $10 billion investment opportunity that was recently considered [29] Leadership Transition - **CEO Succession**: Greg Abel is expected to take over as CEO by the end of the year, with Buffett indicating he will not sell his shares but will gradually donate them [10][14] Financial Performance - **Q1 Financials**: Berkshire's Q1 operating profit was $9.64 billion, down 14% year-over-year, and the company recorded a $713 million loss due to currency fluctuations [15][63] Investment Philosophy - **Balance Sheet Focus**: Buffett highlighted the importance of analyzing a company's balance sheet over its income statement, as it reveals more about the company's financial health [13][70] - **Long-term Relationships**: He advised young investors to surround themselves with respected individuals and to seek meaningful connections [51][54] Industry Insights - **Real Estate vs. Stocks**: Buffett noted that real estate investments are more complex than stock investments due to the numerous variables involved [31] - **AI in Insurance**: Ajit Jain discussed the potential of AI to transform the insurance industry but emphasized a cautious approach to adopting new technologies [32][34] Currency and Global Markets - **Currency Risks**: Buffett expressed concerns about holding currencies that may devalue, particularly in light of U.S. fiscal policies [44][47] - **Emerging Markets**: Buffett remains cautious about investing in emerging markets like Mongolia unless there are significant opportunities [48] Competition in Insurance - **Private Equity Competition**: Jain acknowledged that private equity firms have become more aggressive in the insurance sector, making it harder for Berkshire to compete [49] Conclusion - **Future Outlook**: Buffett remains optimistic about the long-term prospects of the U.S. economy and Berkshire's ability to navigate challenges, emphasizing the importance of patience and strategic decision-making in investments [38][63]