This article, originally posted on Zhihu and subsequently removed before being re-published, explores the striking apathy surrounding the 2025 Chinese college entrance exam. The author argues that this disinterest signifies a crucial shift in societal perception, a collective awakening to the realities of the social and economic landscape. He posits that this growing awareness is a catalyst for political reform and societal evolution. The piece delves into the concept of "scarcity" as it relates to individual aspirations and societal values.
The 2025 college entrance exam, a cornerstone of Chinese educational and social structures, has, according to some, witnessed an unprecedented lack of enthusiasm. This surprising apathy, the subject of considerable online discussion, is more than just a passing trend; it reflects a deeper, potentially transformative change in the collective consciousness of China's populace.
This article, meticulously crafted over 200 hours, argues that this detachment from the traditional emphasis on academic achievement is not just a generational shift, but a symptom of a fundamental reevaluation of societal values. The author contends that the widespread access to information through the internet has played a crucial role in this awakening. Crucially, the author uses the phrase "also be able to" to highlight that this awareness isn't confined to a select group, but is spreading through the broader population. It’s a signal that the "bottom-tier" of society is beginning to understand the complexities and realities of its position.
The author posits a direct correlation between this evolving understanding and future political reform. He believes that a critical mass of societal awareness will inevitably lead to a necessary iteration of the existing political and institutional structures. This is not a call for revolution but rather for a thoughtful, evolution-driven response to changing societal needs.
The article also introduces the concept of "scarcity" as a fundamental determinant of perceived value. The author uses the example of a friend (A) who dismissed the prestige of elite universities (985 and 211), claiming practical utility is more important. This illustrates a shift from the traditional emphasis on academic credentials to a more pragmatic valuation of skills and their practical application in the marketplace. The argument suggests that an individual's worth, like any product, is judged not solely by quality or usefulness, but by its perceived scarcity in the wider market.
The article's conclusion, while not explicitly stated, implies a profound societal transformation. The author, through their meticulous work and subsequent re-publication, is attempting to contribute to this evolving dialogue. The apathy surrounding the exam isn't just a reaction to the exam itself, but a symptom of a much larger societal shift, a shift that, according to the author, is bound to result in significant political and social change. It's a call for a deeper reflection on the meaning of success and achievement in the face of evolving realities in modern China.
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