Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the conflict between two different value logics represented by the character Qin Er Ye from Lao She’s "Teahouse," highlighting the tension between grand ambitions and the neglect of individual suffering [2][4]. Group 1: Value Logic - Qin Er Ye's choice illustrates a harsh truth: saving one person is charity, while saving thousands is a business. He believes every penny should contribute to the factory, which can change the fate of millions [4]. - The limited nature of empathy is emphasized, suggesting that if one empathizes with every individual misfortune, they may lose the capacity for action due to emotional exhaustion [5]. - The mindset of maintaining order is evident, where casual charity is seen as fostering dependency, while establishing factories is viewed as creating opportunities for self-reliance [6]. Group 2: Consequences of Value Logic - The cost of this logic is significant, as the initial purpose of "saving the people" becomes an abstract concept, reducing individuals to mere numbers in reports [8]. - Humanity is lost in calculations, leading to evaluations of assistance based on "worth" and judgments of help based on "efficiency" [8]. - Success becomes distorted, resulting in individuals becoming what they once despised—professing moral values while being indifferent to the suffering around them [8]. Group 3: Finding a Third Path - A third path exists between "cold-blooded success" and "ineffective emotional help," which involves balancing ideals with compassion. For instance, Jack Ma maintained a focus on helping others even during tough times [9]. - Balancing systems with empathy is crucial; effective systems should have rigid principles while also providing humane channels for support [10]. - Recognizing that "saving the country and the people" and "a bowl of rotten meat noodles" are not mutually exclusive choices is essential for true greatness [11]. Group 4: Reflection on Human Nature - Historians note that Qin Er Ye's tragedy lies not in having high ideals but in a lack of human warmth, reminding those pursuing success that the scale of their endeavors should not come at the expense of human empathy [13]. - True success is defined not only by how many lives are changed but also by maintaining one's humanity in the process [13].