中国式励志故事怎样毒害人的心智？How do Chinese-style inspirational stories poison people’s minds?｜心理｜张献忠｜历史｜权力｜内卷｜教育

Summary

In this video, Anthony explores the concept of Chinese inspirational narratives, critiquing their often shallow portrayal of success and power. He discusses how these stories, rooted in historical figures and societal values, promote a zero-sum view of power and ambition, often at the expense of human values and spirituality. Drawing parallels to totalitarianism and intergenerational trauma, Anthony suggests that these narratives are a product of a society where the individual's worth is tied to their social and political standing, rather than their personal growth or contribution. He concludes by highlighting the need for a strong self to overcome these narratives and find true self-worth.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The video discusses the theme of Chinese education and its influence on individual aspirations and societal values.
• 🎥 The movie 'Ah, Navy' is used as a case study to illustrate how militarism can distort the mental journey of young people and shape societal perceptions of success.
• 🔍 The video contrasts the movie's portrayal of success with online reviews, highlighting a disconnect between artistic intent and audience interpretation.
• 🌐 It critiques the 'Chinese inspirational narrative', which often venerates those who rise from humble beginnings to positions of power, regardless of the means used.
• 🏛 The script touches on the historical context of Chinese society, where Confucian ideals of self-sacrifice and dedication are overshadowed by a Legalist orientation towards power and hierarchy.
• 📚 The video mentions historical figures like Liu Bang, Chen Ping, and Liu Bei, who are often portrayed as having lofty ambitions that align with the power structure of their time.
• 👑 It delves into the psychological mechanisms behind the desire for power, suggesting that those who have suffered may seek to inflict the same suffering on others as a form of revenge.
• 👥 The script points out the paradox that those who are most harmed by dictators are often the common people, despite their initial support for these leaders.
• 📉 The video argues that the Chinese inspirational narrative is a product of an autocratic society where individual growth is stifled and a zero-sum mentality prevails.
• 📚 It suggests that the Chinese inspirational narrative is a form of collective psychological trauma passed down through generations, affecting even those who are physically distant from the original environment.
• 🛑 The video concludes by proposing that true 'salvation' involves building a strong self to overcome societal pressures and reconstruct one's values and beliefs.

Q & A

What does Anthony discuss in his video about Chinese education?

Anthony discusses the concept of Chinese inspirational narratives and how they are deeply rooted in the country's history and culture. He uses the Japanese movie 'Ah, Navy' as a starting point to explore themes such as the worship of power, the zero-sum game of ambition, and the societal impact of these narratives.

What is the significance of the movie 'Ah, Navy' in Anthony's discussion?

The movie 'Ah, Navy' is significant as it serves as a narrative example that Anthony uses to illustrate how militarism can distort the mental journey of young people and how different audiences can interpret such narratives in various ways, including as a success story.

How does Anthony describe the two main characteristics of Chinese inspirational stories?

Anthony describes the two main characteristics as: 1) Worship of the bottom, where the protagonist starts with a miserable life that supposedly justifies any actions taken later for success, and 2) Lofty ambitions that coincide with the order of power, emphasizing the importance of hierarchical order and societal position.

What does Anthony suggest about the relationship between Chinese society and the Confucian personality?

Anthony suggests that while Chinese society promotes a Confucian personality with emphasis on dedication and sacrifice, the actual operation of the system is more aligned with a Legalist personality, which is unreflective identification with the hierarchical order and a focus on climbing up the social ladder.

How does Anthony connect the concept of 'lofty ambitions' to the pursuit of power in Chinese society?

Anthony connects 'lofty ambitions' to the pursuit of power by stating that in Chinese inspirational narratives, the protagonist's ambitions are closely tied to secular power and domination, often leading to a zero-sum game where one person's gain is another's loss.

What historical examples does Anthony provide to illustrate the concept of 'lofty ambitions'?

Anthony provides examples such as Liu Bang, Chen Ping, and Liu Bei, who expressed their ambitions at a young age, often with a desire to rise above their current social status and achieve power.

How does Anthony describe the psychological mechanism behind Chinese inspirational narratives?

Anthony describes the psychological mechanism as one where individuals who have suffered from the world accumulate hatred and decide to become worse people, eventually seeking revenge on society and realizing their ambitions through power and control.

What does Anthony suggest about the impact of Chinese inspirational narratives on individuals' mental states?

Anthony suggests that these narratives can lead to a broken inner world for individuals, causing them to live in a state of isolation and self-centeredness, with a lack of deep connections and trust with others.

How does Anthony relate the concept of 'salvation' to the Chinese inspirational narratives?

Anthony relates 'salvation' to the idea of freeing the soul from darkness, which he equates to relativism, nihilism, and a life of confusion. He suggests that overcoming these issues requires a strong self to reconstruct external customs, concepts, and standards.

What is Anthony's final recommendation for viewers who may have questions or personal confusion?

Anthony's final recommendation is for viewers to contact him via email for further consultation, and he also encourages viewers to watch other videos in his 'Psychology and Education' playlist for additional insights.