（原标题：许知远：描述世界令人兴奋，亦心力交瘁 | 我们的四分之一世纪） 编者按： 2025 年，经济观察报以 " 我们的四分之一世纪 " 为年终特刊主题，旨在通过数十位时代亲历者 的故事，共绘一幅属于这段岁月的集体记忆图谱。 但随着时间推移，他意识到"观念是镶嵌在一个非常多元的、具体的语境之中的，甚至观念也不存在绝 对的价值"。观念属于具体的历史情境，"这个观念可能来自尼采，那个观念来自杜威，但他们的观念都 不是绝对的，而是在他们所面临的语境下——十九世纪末的德国或者二十世纪初的美国——才产生意 义。那么在此刻的中国，我们该运用怎样的观念？或者说在中国的语境里，观念又要发生怎样的变化？ 这个变化跟我们的自身经验有什么关系？这是我一直在思考的问题。" 从出版《那些忧伤的年轻人》到此时，四分之一个世纪过去了，许知远正从时代的"旁观者"走向"实践 者"。对他而言，作为曾经的媒体人，他需要站在一个客观、独立的角度，以抽离的视角看待时代变 化。那种超然固然也有美好之处，但是越来越无法满足他对自我的追问：自己到底相信什么？自己到底 是个什么样的人？这需要更多的实践去检验，然后去修正。 （2000年前后的许知远 受访者供 ...

我们这代人总想拥抱远方的东西，认为它能够帮我们摆脱当下 的困境……下一代人就会逆反，他们会想，你谈了那么多遥远 的经验，跟我有什么关系呢？ ——许知远 作者： 李唐 封图：受访者供图 编者按： 2025 年，经济观察报以 " 我们的四分之一世纪 " 为年终特刊主题，旨在通过数十位时代亲历者的故事，共绘一幅属于这段岁月的集体记忆图 谱。 时间与实践 "时间非常有力量。" 坐在位于朗园station单向空间的办公室里，许知远反复谈起了"时间"。这里确实是一个谈论"时间"的好场所——三面墙壁都是书架，上面摆满了各种各 样的书籍，有中文也有外文书，有薄有厚，参差交错，仿佛筑成了另一层坚实的墙壁，它们都是经过时间淘洗、沉淀下来的产物。在4年前的一次采访 中，镜头前的许知远突然指着身后的书架说："看到书我总是很兴奋，因为它是我如此熟悉的一个世界。" "书会给我带来最持久的安全感。"在很长一段时间里，许知远的全部生活都被书本包围，生活在书籍的世界与时间中。2001年，新世纪的开端，25岁 的许知远出版了第一本书《那些忧伤的年轻人》。彼时，他带着强烈的启蒙者思维，"更相信观念本身"，并且相信以观念为武器，可以用来描述和评判 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the structural challenges faced by the younger generation in the labor market, drawing parallels between contemporary issues and the classic film "Bicycle Thieves," emphasizing that hard work and moral choices often do not guarantee dignity or survival in a system that fails to provide basic support and upward mobility [4][5]. Group 1: Hidden Costs of Physical Labor - The narrative around "pragmatic employment" often overlooks the harsh realities of labor intensity, job security, and career prospects in so-called "practical jobs" [7]. - According to the National Bureau of Statistics, there are nearly 300 million migrant workers in China, with significant portions employed in manufacturing (18.3%), construction (14.6%), and retail (13.1%), facing long hours and inadequate social security [7]. - In the express delivery sector, data shows that frontline couriers work over 10 hours daily, with 58.7% lacking work injury insurance and 72.1% without housing fund contributions, while the average monthly income is around 4,800 yuan [7][8]. Group 2: Downward Pressure and Involution - The employment crisis for youth cannot be solely attributed to "attitudinal issues," as structural mismatches in the job market are a core problem, with traditional sectors like internet and real estate contracting [11][12]. - Emerging industries such as high-end manufacturing and AI require high skills but offer limited positions, while low-value service jobs lack stability and formal contracts, leading to increased competition among lower-tier workers [12][13]. - The influx of highly educated individuals into low-end labor markets does not enhance job quality but instead depresses wages and exacerbates social competition [13][14]. Group 3: Stigma of Lower Status Jobs - Despite individuals' willingness to abandon their educational status, societal biases against physical labor remain entrenched, leading to feelings of shame and self-denial among those in lower-status jobs [15][16]. - A survey indicates that only 23.1% of respondents believe that manual laborers receive equal social respect compared to white-collar workers, with this perception declining significantly among older demographics [16]. - The long-standing association of education with social status creates a challenging environment for those transitioning to lower-status jobs, as they face both economic and emotional burdens [17][18]. Group 4: Need for Systemic Change - The article argues that the tragedy of individuals like "Kong Yiji" is not isolated; it reflects a broader societal issue where individual struggles are often overlooked [21]. - Recent government initiatives aim to create high-quality jobs and improve labor rights, indicating a recognition of the need for systemic support rather than moral exhortations [22]. - The call for a society that allows individuals to maintain dignity regardless of their job status emphasizes the importance of creating pathways for all workers, ensuring that choices do not come at the cost of self-respect [22].