Shen Yaozi, August 1999
The chapter "Zhuangzi: Robber Zhi" mentions that even thieves have their own code: "Great thieves become great thieves through sagacity, courage, righteousness, wisdom, and benevolence, and sages also achieve their sagacity through these virtues. However, there are few good people in the world and many bad ones, so the way of the sages benefits the world little but harms it greatly. When sages are born, great thieves arise. Only by attacking the sages and releasing the thieves can the world begin to be governed."
In the past, I thought Zhuangzi's logic was indeed "different from ordinary people," but now I realize that extraordinary times require extraordinary measures. In Zhuangzi's era, the way of the sages and the sages themselves were popular, but these are no longer in vogue today. Now, what is popular is science—divided disciplines—and well-trained... experts.
Since the beginning of this century, Western science and technology have almost dominated all human civilization. However, reflecting on this century, which world war was not caused by advanced, civilized nations? Which environmental pollution and ecological destruction were not led by advanced, civilized nations? And which were not the additional "achievements" of science and technology? The reckless exploitation of resources, which was not sacrificed to satisfy the few wealthy in advanced, civilized nations? And the consequences are borne by the vast majority, which is a great irony in the democratic world that advocates equality for all.
In modern times, the vast majority of people, teenagers strive to study hard, adults are busy working to earn money, life is becoming more and more mechanized and rigid. Due to the declining ethics and morals, the elderly still have to worry about how to support themselves and find solace. Because environmental pollution is becoming increasingly severe, water, air, and food are generally toxic, and after middle age, one has to worry about contracting terrifying diseases of civilization. The population explosion means that everywhere is crowded, and people's hearts are unpredictable, so watching TV at home is the safest. Which of these is not an "achievement" of science? In modern times, the lives of the vast majority are merely about survival.
The leading power, the United States, has made enough money globally, and in the United States, nearly half of the money is earned by 1/5 of the people. Many countries have meals irregularly, while some countries sell weight-loss drugs. The increasing disparity between the rich and the poor shows that those with ability only seek short-term personal satisfaction, disregarding the life and death of the next generation and the disadvantaged.| Science (catalyst) | ||
| Human greed | ──────→ | Even greater human greed |
At the end of this century, all of humanity is facing unprecedented dangers and hardships. Western science is already stretched thin, and the side effects of its short-sighted philosophy of controlling and simplifying problems are rapidly expanding. The benefits of science belong to the few, while the pain of science falls on the disadvantaged masses.
From this perspective, in human society, there are many selfish and short-sighted people, and few far-sighted and selfless ones. Therefore, "the benefits of science to the world are few, but the harm is great." Humanity is not yet ready to accept science. Only by "attacking experts and eliminating science," returning to days without science and experts, and allowing the mind to evolve and adapt anew, can the world find peace.
Postscript: This article is indeed a modern version of "The Robber Zhi". Yes, the author knows that it is impossible to attack experts or eradicate science. Humans will not awaken until they experience heart-wrenching pain, just as the philosopher Russell said, the vast majority of people "are little more than organisms not far removed from amoebas" — repeatedly making mistakes.