Xiang Ligang: Most of China's history has died because of the strong literati power, and the current literati power is also very strong
The core point of this article is to criticize the phenomenon of emphasizing theory over practice and advocating empty talk rather than practical work in society, and emphasizing the value of practical operation and physical contribution with historical and modern examples, especially in the fields of science and technology and construction. Below, we will further analyze this topic with some relevant facts.
Historical Lessons and Cultural Background
- Social structure at the end of the Ming Dynasty: At the end of the Ming Dynasty, there were certain social contradictions, such as the exalted status of the scholars (literati) and the neglect of the importance of the real economy such as agriculture and handicrafts, which may have indirectly exacerbated the instability within the society. Similar historical lessons can be found in other civilizations, such as the decline of the Roman Empire, which was also associated with the hedonism of the elite and the neglect of the basic economy.
U.S. Talent Evaluation System
- Pragmatism Culture: American society does tend to be pragmatist, which is reflected in its system of evaluating talent, which places more emphasis on the direct contribution and innovation of individuals. The rise of Silicon Valley is a prime example, with many start-ups starting out in garages and eventually growing into industry giants, which is backed by a high level of recognition for entrepreneurship and hands-on ability.
Contribution of Chinese builders
- Infrastructure: The construction of bridges in Guizhou, as mentioned in the article, is a microcosm of China's rapid infrastructure development in recent decades. For example, the Beipanjiang Bridge, one of the world's tallest bridges, not only overcame extreme geographical challenges, but also demonstrated the innovation and resilience of Chinese engineers. These projects have not only changed the face of local transportation and promoted regional economic development, but there is a real problem of obscurity for the builders.
The relationship between theory and practice
- The two-wheel drive of scientific and technological development: theory and practice are the two wheels of scientific and technological progress, and one is indispensable. Breakthroughs in quantum computing, for example, require both cutting-edge exploration by theoretical physicists and experimental physicists and engineers to translate theory into practical applications. The criticism of theoretical research in the article may be too one-sided, but in fact, theoretical breakthroughs can often lead to new practical directions, and practical feedback can promote the deepening and improvement of theories.
Reflections on the scientific community
- Research environment and output: In recent years, China's investment in scientific research has increased significantly, and the number of researchers and the number of papers published have increased significantly, but there are indeed problems such as insufficient high-quality original achievements and low conversion rate. This reflects the possible disconnect between the scientific research evaluation system, incentive mechanism and market demand. Therefore, how to balance theoretical research and applied research and improve the efficiency and quality of scientific research has become a key problem that needs to be solved.
conclusion
Through a series of vivid examples and comparisons, the article highlights the importance of a can-do spirit and respect for actual contributors in modern society. While the value of theoretical research may be underestimated in some respects, the core idea that society should give more recognition and support to those who work hard and contribute quietly on the front lines is worthy of acceptance. At the same time, it also reminds us that in the process of pursuing scientific and technological progress, theory and practice should complement each other and jointly promote the development of society.