Summary of the Core Content
This article uses “traditional cuisine” as a starting point to reveal that many so-called “traditional flavors” are actually products of times of scarcity and technological backwardness (for example, using plain water ice with colorants for old-style shaved ice, or curing sea birds for survival purposes). It then expands on these themes to discuss life and employment, criticizing the blind nostalgia for the era of guaranteed job assignments, and emphasizing that it was only through reform and opening up, as well as a market economy, that the Chinese people began to live better lives. Finally, the article encourages young people to break out of their comfort zones, embrace new technologies and opportunities, and not be obsessed with the past, but to look forward to the future.
Detailed Analysis
1. Traditional Cuisine: Many Are Products of Hard Times, Not Truly Delicious
What you consider “authentic old flavors” may have been mere necessities due to lack of resources in the past. Take Tianjin’s old-style shaved ice for instance; without cold storage and fresh fruits, they had to use plain water ice, add some colorants and flavorings, and include raisins and apricots—these were considered luxuries at the time, but who would eat such nutritionally devoid food today? Similarly, the curing of sea birds (a traditional Inuit practice) was a survival strategy due to a lack of other food sources in winter. The German bread with coarse salt embedded inside was a sign of wealth for ordinary people in the Middle Ages, as salt was expensive; today, it tastes overly salty. The existence of these “traditional dishes” is not because of their excellent taste, but rather due to technological and material limitations of that era.
2. Don’t Be Deceived by Nostalgia: Life Wasn’t Really That Good
Some young people today miss the era of guaranteed job assignments, thinking it was more stable. Media and films also often beautify the past, creating an illusion of peace and tranquility. However, the Chinese people’s improved lives are a result of reform and opening up. Only by embracing a market economy and participating in global integration have we gained access to a wider range of goods, more choices, and higher incomes. During the era of guaranteed assignments, resources were scarce (items like food and clothing required ration coupons), opportunities were limited (it was hard to change jobs), and living standards were low (many people couldn’t even afford meat). Nostalgia is essentially an escape from current difficulties, not a reflection of a truly better past.
3. To Move Forward, You Must Break Out of Your Comfort Zone
The author serves as a personal example: he owns a house and car in Beijing and travels to Xiamen whenever he wants; once settled there, he moved to Singapore to start anew, despite the challenges of adapting his children’s schooling. Many young people are afraid to leave their current comfort zones (friends, homes, stable jobs) when faced with new opportunities. The author argues that while it’s important to consider safety, breaking out of those small comforts is necessary to build a bigger and better one. In the digital age, connections remain; new environments can bring new opportunities. To achieve something, you must first push beyond your limits.
4. Looking Forward Is the Only Way: Embrace New Technologies and Opportunities
We benefit from the progress of the times every day—cold storage technology allows us to enjoy fresh fruits at any time, greenhouse farming ensures we have vegetables in winter, and a market economy provides more job options. Even if the United States tries to isolate itself, we can’t turn back. Hard work is not about returning to the past; it’s about seeking new opportunities. Technologies like AI, renewable energy, and cross-border e-commerce represent new areas of growth. Don’t be attached to the “traditions” of the past; embrace new technologies and trends, because you deserve a healthier, richer, and more promising life.
The essence of this article is to use culinary examples to debunk the illusion of nostalgia, reminding us that the limitations of the past are not a part of our heritage. It’s the progress of the times that truly brings benefits. Instead of reminiscing, we should embrace the present and seize the opportunities available to us.