In the history of the Celestial Empire, official hats have been regarded as the most stable profession. The imperial examination system has led countless students from humble backgrounds to strive for ten years, just to obtain a government position. However, the phenomenon of overly pursuing official positions reflects a lack of diverse opportunities and developmental vitality in society.
1. The Deep-Rooted Culture of Officialdom#
In our traditional culture, the concept of "being an official" is deeply ingrained. Many families often regard whether their children can become "high-ranking officials" as a standard of success. This "officialdom-centered" culture not only influences individual career choices but is also profoundly embedded in the operational logic of society. Historically, merchants held a low status, craftsmen were unappreciated, and farmers were oppressed, leading to a situation where almost all social elites were attracted to the officialdom. As early as two thousand years ago, the "Han Feizi" pointed out that the populace was unwilling to engage in practical labor, instead hoping for resource allocation from "above." This parasitic mentality suppresses social creativity.
2. The Helplessness of Real Choices#
Many people want to become officials, not because they are unwilling to live through genuine effort, but because the harsh reality makes them feel that the returns from engaging in industry, technology, or scientific research are far less stable than those from taking civil service exams. A young person may struggle to start a business for five years and still earn less than a county-level official from a single land approval. Such structural issues lead young people to chase the system rather than pursue creativity.
3. The Crisis of Elite Involution#
When "officialdom" becomes the optimal path, the country falls into the dilemma of "elite involution." All countries that have historically revered "officialdom" ultimately decline. During the late Qing Dynasty, intelligence was constrained by the rigid format of the imperial examination, leaving the nation powerless in the face of external enemies. In contrast, Japan's Meiji Restoration liberated talent into education, technology, and industry by abolishing samurai privileges, promoting national strength.
4. The True Core of a Strong Nation#
The strength of a country relies not on the number of officials but on providing "doers" with pathways and dignity. A truly strong nation builds its power system based on ability rather than relationships. The Nobel Prize is never awarded to officials but to those who genuinely contribute to society. In the 1970s, Israel implemented a "technology-based nation-building" strategy, encouraging nationwide innovation, achieving remarkable development in just a few decades.
5. Reassessing Life Goals#
For young people, it is important to reflect on their life goals: is it to pursue a "stable" position, or to leave a unique value in this world? The system is not an original sin, but it is not the only choice either. What truly changes fate is an individual's ability and capacity to create value.
6. Broadening Horizons and Pursuing Value#
Our generation should realize that a truly strong nation is not one where everyone pursues official positions, but one where everyone can achieve their potential. I hope everyone can live brilliantly through their own abilities, rather than just focusing on "official hats." When "doers" are respected and "creators" have a voice, this country will usher in a truly powerful future.
The strong never rely on "positioning" but realize their value through practical actions. I hope we can bravely move forward on the path of pursuing our ideals.