Core Insights - The article highlights the journey of Wang Wan, a delivery rider and writer, who published her first book "Running Takeout: A Female Rider's World" after years of writing and various jobs, emphasizing her ambition to be remembered through her writing [1][4][16] Group 1: Background and Motivation - Wang Wan was born in 1991 in Shandong and faced existential questions from a young age, leading her to pursue writing as a means to leave a lasting impact [2] - She developed a passion for writing early on, influenced by classic literature, and aimed to express individuality in her work despite struggling academically [2][3] Group 2: Writing Journey - Before publishing her book, Wang had written over one million words, including novels and poetry, but had not found publishing opportunities until her recent success [4][11] - Her book "Running Takeout" has been well-received, with multiple reprints and recognition in literary rankings, indicating a strong market interest [4][16] Group 3: Experience as a Delivery Rider - Wang's experience as a delivery rider provided her with a sense of control over her life, which she had not felt before, and she embraced the challenges of the job [6][11] - She initially struggled with the logistics of the job but gradually overcame her shyness and learned to navigate the delivery system effectively [7][10] Group 4: Personal Growth and Reflection - Wang's writing serves as a therapeutic outlet, allowing her to document her experiences and emotions, including her struggles with family relationships and personal identity [15][16] - The publication of her book has opened new opportunities for her, including contracts for additional works, suggesting a positive shift in her career trajectory [16]

Core Viewpoint - The rise of "new popular literature" is characterized by grassroots creativity and ecological aesthetics, driven by the internet and the democratization of artistic expression, allowing both professional and non-professional creators to engage in literary and artistic endeavors [8][9][10]. Group 1: Characteristics of New Popular Literature - New popular literature is distinguished by its accessibility and the ability for diverse creators to participate, moving away from traditional professional artist-centric models [8]. - The proliferation of technology and social media platforms has lowered barriers to entry for artistic creation and dissemination, enabling a wide range of expressions from everyday individuals [9]. - The new life experiences and emotional encounters arising from rural revitalization and urbanization provide fresh material for creators, making their works more relatable and innovative [9]. Group 2: Appeal of New Popular Literature - The authenticity derived from real-life experiences resonates deeply with audiences, as creators draw from their familiar environments and emotions [10]. - The unembellished expression of genuine feelings in new popular literature contrasts with the often formulaic and superficial nature of mainstream media, making it more appealing to contemporary audiences [10][11]. - Artistic expressions rooted in everyday life not only evoke reflection and emotion among audiences but also inspire established artists with new ideas [11]. Group 3: Sustainability of New Popular Literature - The vitality of new popular literature lies in its connection to real-life experiences, which fosters empathy and emotional engagement [12]. - To maintain quality and avoid mediocrity, creators must focus on themes of truth, goodness, and beauty, celebrating familial bonds and the richness of everyday life [12]. - Social media algorithms should support the visibility of new popular literature, allowing outstanding works to gain recognition and thrive [12].

Core Viewpoint - The emergence of "New Popular Literature" signifies a shift where the general public becomes the main creator of new cultural narratives, influenced by digitalization and technological advancements [20][33]. Group 1: New Popular Literature - "New Popular Literature" was recognized as one of the "Top Ten New Words of 2025," highlighting the role of the public in cultural creation [20]. - The rise of digital media, including mobile internet and AI, has unleashed a vast amount of creative potential among ordinary authors [20][33]. - The phenomenon of "amateur writing" has gained traction, with various authors from different backgrounds contributing unique narratives [21][34]. Group 2: Impact of AI on Literature - The integration of AI in writing has sparked discussions about the nature of literary creation and the unique qualities that define human authorship [10][11]. - The coexistence of human and AI-generated literature raises questions about the future of writing and the preservation of human experiences in storytelling [10][11]. Group 3: Notable Literary Works and Themes - The year 2025 saw a surge in literature focusing on historical themes, particularly related to the Anti-Japanese War, reflecting a collective memory and cultural identity [16][19]. - Works like "The Sea Wind" and "Peach Blossom Dock" explore the experiences of individuals during wartime, emphasizing the resilience and spirit of the people [17][19]. - The literary landscape is enriched by diverse narratives that address contemporary issues, such as the struggles of ordinary people and the complexities of human relationships [13][14][30]. Group 4: The Role of Individual Experience - Authentic personal experiences and emotional impulses are highlighted as essential elements for creating impactful literature, which AI cannot replicate [11][12]. - The exploration of individual narratives, such as those from ordinary workers and their life stories, contributes to a richer understanding of society [21][34]. Group 5: Future Directions in Literature - The evolving literary scene calls for a reevaluation of traditional literary boundaries, encouraging cross-genre experimentation and collaboration with other media [25]. - The concept of "Big Literature" emerges as a response to the changing cultural landscape, aiming to connect literature with broader social contexts [25].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article emphasizes the flourishing of "new popular literature and art under the internet" as proposed in the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, highlighting the transformation of artistic creation in the internet era [1] - The article discusses how digital technology and the improvement of public literacy have empowered ordinary people to become creators, leading to a vibrant wave of new popular literature and art [3][4] - It notes that artistic creation must return to the roots of the people and life to maintain its vitality, as the wisdom accumulated by the masses is a valuable resource for artistic expression [4] Group 2 - The article highlights the emergence of various grassroots artistic initiatives, such as the "Beijing Roadshow Plan" band, which aims to perform in 100 locations across Beijing, showcasing the connection between music and community [7][9] - It mentions the "Tribute and Inheritance" community drama exhibition, which has provided a platform for amateur actors and community groups to showcase their talents, reflecting the growing importance of grassroots cultural activities [12][13] - The success of authors like Hu Anyan, who gained recognition through relatable narratives about ordinary life, illustrates the potential for new voices to emerge in the literary scene, resonating with a wide audience [16][18]

Core Viewpoint - The article narrates the life journey of Hu Anyan, who has changed 19 jobs over a span of 25 years, ultimately finding solace in writing, which he considers his last stable profession [1][3]. Group 1: Career Journey - Hu Anyan's career began in 1999 after graduating from a vocational school, where he faced the reality of self-employment due to the end of guaranteed job placements for graduates [7]. - His first job as a service staff in a hotel paid 600 yuan per month, which he viewed as a necessary step to obtain his diploma [7]. - He transitioned to various roles, including a store clerk and a position at a gas station, where he found a more suitable work environment with a salary of 1800 yuan per month [11][12]. - Hu Anyan's foray into the animation industry was driven by a passion for Japanese anime, leading him to work at a comic studio, but he left due to a competitive and harsh environment [12][19]. Group 2: Business Ventures - In 2007, Hu Anyan attempted to start a business in Vietnam but faced challenges and ultimately returned to China to open a women's clothing store in Nanning [18]. - The clothing business was highly competitive, leading to a stressful environment where he struggled to maintain ethical standards while competing [19]. - After two years of limited financial success and personal setbacks, he returned to Guangzhou, feeling disillusioned and seeking a new direction in life [19][20]. Group 3: Writing Career - Hu Anyan began writing in 2009 as a means to cope with his frustrations and to express his experiences, which he viewed as a noble pursuit [20]. - His writing gained traction with the publication of articles on platforms like Douban, leading to the release of his book "I Delivered Packages in Beijing," which garnered significant attention [24]. - He distinguishes himself from professional non-fiction writers, stating he only writes about his own experiences and does not possess the same journalistic skills [24]. - Despite the success of his writing, Hu Anyan remains grounded, acknowledging that if his articles had not gained popularity, he might still be working in a delivery job [25]. Group 4: Reflections on Society - Hu Anyan reflects on the societal changes over the past 25 years, noting a general improvement in social civility and customer interactions compared to his earlier work experiences [24]. - He emphasizes that while his writing often highlights negative experiences, these are memorable and impactful, shaping his narrative [25]. - Looking ahead, Hu Anyan is focused on writing fiction, believing it allows for a richer exploration of themes compared to non-fiction, which he views as more time-sensitive [26].

Core Perspective - The article narrates the life journey of Juan Yan, highlighting his transition from various jobs to becoming a writer, emphasizing the impact of societal changes over the past 25 years in China [1][13]. Group 1: Career Journey - Juan Yan has changed jobs 19 times since starting work in 1999, with writing now being his most stable profession [2]. - His first job was as a waiter in a hotel, earning 600 yuan per month, which was not considered a good opportunity at the time [3]. - He later worked at a gas station, where he earned 1,800 yuan per month, but had to leave due to scheduling conflicts with night school [5]. Group 2: Transition to Writing - In 2009, after a series of unsuccessful business ventures, Juan Yan turned to writing as a new pursuit, driven by economic struggles and personal setbacks [10][12]. - His writing gained significant attention with the publication of "I Delivered Packages in Beijing," which became a representative work of the "non-fiction" writing trend [13]. - The article discusses how writing has improved his financial situation, yet he remains grounded in his expectations for the future [14][15]. Group 3: Societal Changes - Juan Yan reflects on the evolution of societal attitudes in China over the past 25 years, noting a shift towards greater civility and kindness among people [13]. - He contrasts his experiences in earlier jobs, where he felt undervalued, with his current role in delivery services, where he receives positive feedback from customers [14].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emergence and significance of "amateur writing" in contemporary Chinese literature, highlighting its connection to the lives of ordinary people and the impact of societal changes over the past 40 years of reform and opening up [4][5]. Group 1: Significance of Amateur Writing - The phenomenon of amateur writing is closely related to the rapid social changes in China over the past 40 years, allowing writers from ordinary backgrounds to emerge [5]. - Amateur writing is seen as a return to the essence of literature, connecting deeply with labor and daily life experiences, breaking the monopoly of elite intellectuals in cultural production [5][6]. - The workshop aims to engage with broader societal dialogues and position the Shanghai Normal University as a leader in the study of amateur writing [6][8]. Group 2: Perspectives from Amateur Writers - Chen Nianxi emphasizes that literature should reflect the absurdity and complexity of life, arguing that the weight of life experiences surpasses literary expressions [10][11]. - Fan Yusu highlights the transformative power of literature, suggesting that it allows individuals to navigate their life stories and find meaning in their experiences [13][14]. - Hu Anyan's work, "I Deliver Packages in Beijing," has fostered empathy towards delivery workers, illustrating how literature can bridge understanding between different social groups [16][17]. - Chen Hui views literature as a seasoning for life rather than a necessity, asserting that writing should not overshadow the importance of living well [19]. - Zhang Sai connects poetry with the factory environment, using it as a means to express emotions and experiences from his labor [21][22]. - Li Wenli's writing journey reflects her desire for identity and recognition beyond her roles as a mother and worker, showcasing the personal empowerment that comes from storytelling [24][25]. - Wu Xia expresses that while literature has not provided her with material success, it serves as her spiritual support, emphasizing the intrinsic value of writing [27][28].

Core Insights - The workshop "Writing to Save Lives: Contemporary China's 'Amateur Writing'" highlighted the experiences of seven amateur writers and scholarly observations on the phenomenon of amateur writing in China [1][3][4] Group 1: Workshop Overview - The workshop was co-hosted by Shanghai Normal University and First Financial, focusing on the impact of amateur writing on the future of Chinese literature [1][3] - Notable amateur writers such as Chen Nianxi, Fan Yusu, and Hu Anyan shared their writing experiences, while scholars discussed the implications of amateur writing [1][4] Group 2: Significance of Amateur Writing - The emergence of amateur writing is closely linked to the rapid social changes in China over the past 40 years, allowing ordinary individuals to express their experiences [4] - Amateur writing is seen as a return to the essence of literature, connecting deeply with labor and daily life, breaking the monopoly of elite intellectuals in cultural production [4][5] Group 3: Individual Experiences of Writers - Chen Nianxi emphasized that literature should reflect the absurdity and complexity of life, arguing that the weight of life often surpasses literary expression [9][10] - Fan Yusu's journey into writing was inspired by her own life experiences, highlighting the transformative power of literature in understanding one's life story [11][12] - Hu Anyan's work "I Deliver Packages in Beijing" has fostered empathy towards delivery workers, illustrating the role of literature in bridging understanding between different social groups [14][15] - Li Wenli's writing journey began as a means of self-expression, allowing her to reclaim her identity beyond societal labels [22][23] - Wu Xia expressed that while literature has not provided her with material success, it serves as her only spiritual support, emphasizing the emotional significance of writing [25]

Group 1 - The core idea of the article emphasizes that effort does not guarantee success, and the meaning of effort lies in personal growth rather than just achieving success [5][30][70] - The article discusses the arrogance of assuming that effort alone leads to success, highlighting that many factors influence outcomes, such as luck, resources, and emotional intelligence [10][25][29] - It illustrates that recognizing the limitations of effort can lead to a healthier mindset and acceptance of life's unpredictability [28][30][73] Group 2 - The story of a young man named Juan Yan, who worked various jobs and faced failures, ultimately found value in his experiences, leading to personal growth and becoming a writer [32][44][51] - The article mentions that the journey of effort can lead to valuable life lessons and insights, even if it does not result in traditional success [54][70] - It emphasizes that true growth comes from experiences and the ability to learn from them, rather than merely achieving societal definitions of success [52][66][70] Group 3 - The narrative includes examples of individuals like Michael Singer and Su Shi, who faced setbacks but focused on personal development rather than just success [57][62][66] - It suggests that a higher level of effort is characterized by a focus on the process and personal fulfillment rather than the end result [66][70] - The article concludes that continuous growth is more significant than fleeting success, encouraging readers to embrace their journeys [74]