Love this post. Nostalgia economy is so real in China at the moment. There are deeper societal reasons behind the rise, and it's a throwback on a grand style.
In the West it is much worse. As usual, perspective is king. If China truly wants to open itself up and build a community of shared future for humanity, what better time than now to look abroad for more perspectives?
Currently the odds quite strongly favor that you will become the leading world nation. Why not hold on to that vision as needed fuel to face the hard times at hand? (Or perhaps it is more relevant for me to ask: what is keeping more people from embracing this idea?)
Perhaps the rising individualism Fred mentioned has been gaining traction with Gen Z? Or still too marked iniquities in your socio-economic system, that might have kept people from embracing more collectivist thinking?
Same nostalgia in Taiwan for the “economic takeoff” 80s and 90s. In a way rare of growth counts a lot more for ppl than the actual level of wealth. I hope China don’t fall into a multi decadal slump like Taiwan did with nothing growing strongly but property prices (and TSMC)
Well written and wise. Good job, Fred. I not only agree with your viewpoints, but add that in the collective West the decay is much more significant. Young Chinese need to toughen up for the task of overtaking the US as the leading world nation.
*Edit: posts such as this, correctly reflecting on this crucial contemporary issue for educational/psychological purposes, are exactly what's necessary. I hope the spirit of this post prevails in your society.
Love this post. Nostalgia economy is so real in China at the moment. There are deeper societal reasons behind the rise, and it's a throwback on a grand style.
In the West it is much worse. As usual, perspective is king. If China truly wants to open itself up and build a community of shared future for humanity, what better time than now to look abroad for more perspectives?
Currently the odds quite strongly favor that you will become the leading world nation. Why not hold on to that vision as needed fuel to face the hard times at hand? (Or perhaps it is more relevant for me to ask: what is keeping more people from embracing this idea?)
Kind regards,
Rafael
Perhaps the rising individualism Fred mentioned has been gaining traction with Gen Z? Or still too marked iniquities in your socio-economic system, that might have kept people from embracing more collectivist thinking?
Same nostalgia in Taiwan for the “economic takeoff” 80s and 90s. In a way rare of growth counts a lot more for ppl than the actual level of wealth. I hope China don’t fall into a multi decadal slump like Taiwan did with nothing growing strongly but property prices (and TSMC)
The writing is superb. Thanks for including Zhang’s comment. “Because the reality cannot withstand the scrutiny that comes with nostalgia.”
The politics of nostalgia, here in America we know it well.
Well written and wise. Good job, Fred. I not only agree with your viewpoints, but add that in the collective West the decay is much more significant. Young Chinese need to toughen up for the task of overtaking the US as the leading world nation.
*Edit: posts such as this, correctly reflecting on this crucial contemporary issue for educational/psychological purposes, are exactly what's necessary. I hope the spirit of this post prevails in your society.
Best regards,
Rafael