Summary of the Core Points
The central argument of this article is that phenomena such as "lying flat" (a passive lifestyle), involution (emotional exhaustion from constant competition), choosing not to marry or have children, overcapacity in industries, and internal strife in the workplace all stem from excessive competition. Over the past few decades, we have moved from a situation where there was little competition, akin to the "equalitarian distribution" system before reforms, to an extreme where competition has permeated almost every aspect of society (education, healthcare, research, and even family life). Competition is no longer a means of motivation; it has become an end in itself, a belief, and even a form of "meritocracy based on performance" that oppresses people through rigid rules such as rankings and elimination. This excessive competition not only leads to economic overcapacity and declining profit margins but also causes psychological issues (anxiety, depression, burnout) and the distortion of public services, ultimately making the cost for most people far outweigh the benefits.
Detailed Analysis
1. From "Equalitarian Distribution" to "Competition Everywhere": What Extremes Have We Reached?
Before the reforms, the "equalitarian distribution" system lacked vitality and led to economic stagnation. The introduction of competitive mechanisms after the reform (breaking monopolies in businesses, market competition for talent, and financial markets) did indeed stimulate growth. However, now the logic of competition has spread indiscriminately: education is judged by academic performance, healthcare competes for patients, research is measured by the number of publications, and even within families, there is a competition based on children's grades and income. Competition is no longer a tool; it has become an end in itself. People feel compelled to compete even when it may be unnecessary, such as when everyone meets the standards but still someone must be eliminated. This shift from a lack of competition to excessive competition has turned society into a "gladiatorial arena," leaving everyone exhausted.
2. Competing Where It Shouldn't: Why Have Public Services Distorted?
Some areas are not meant to be overly competitive, such as healthcare, basic education, and public administration, which should focus on fairness and providing essential services, not on outperforming others. Yet today, doctors in hospitals compete for patients, schools prioritize high-achieving students over others, and even fines are assigned based on numerical targets. This kind of unnecessary competition has deviated from the original purpose of these services: hospitals no longer focus on treating patients, schools neglect the well-being of all students, and public administration becomes a game of cat-and-mouse, leading to systemic injustice.
3. Young People's "Lying Flat" and Choosing Not to Marry or Have Children: A Result of Excessive Competition?
Why do many young people avoid dating, getting married, or having children? The article suggests that the resulting physical and mental exhaustion is a significant factor. For example, students start competing for good grades from a young age, experiencing symptoms like vomiting and insomnia before exams; professionals work long hours, fearing elimination, leaving little room for their emotional needs. "Lying flat" is essentially a strategy of retreat for them: they realize that the competition is too fierce, requiring too much time and health at the cost of low wages and a sense of achievement, so it's better to maintain their current lifestyle.
4. The Fierce Competition Between Companies: The Root of Overcapacity?
The economic sector suffers even more from excessive competition. Companies engage in price wars to capture markets, resulting in no profits for anyone and overcapacity (for instance, an industry produces too much goods that cannot be sold). The article cites Robert Brenner's theory of "excessive international competition," which explains the decline in global manufacturing profit margins due to intense rivalry. This is evident in the sharing bike market, where hundreds of companies invested heavily in user acquisition but most failed, leading to wasted resources. In other industries, companies cut prices to survive, further eroding profits and sometimes resulting in losses.
5. The Hidden Harm of Excessive Competition: How Does It Affect Our Mental Health?
The most subtle yet severe consequence of excessive competition is its impact on mental health. Data shows:
- The lifetime prevalence of anxiety disorders in China is 7.6%, closely related to high-pressure competitive environments such as education and employment;
- Over 30% of primary and middle school students experience exam-related anxiety, with symptoms like vomiting and insomnia before exams;
- Professionals in healthcare, teaching, the tech, and finance industries suffer from burnout—lack of motivation, indifference towards others, and feelings of worthlessness;
- 14.8% of teenagers are at risk of depression, with the high school population having a rate of over 20%, with academic competition being the primary cause.
These figures indicate that excessive competition is not just a matter of fatigue but directly harms mental health, sometimes leading to conditions recognized as diseases (such as burnout) by the WHO.
Conclusion
The article concludes by asking whether we are truly happier now that we have more wealth. The answer is clearly no. Competition was intended to make society more dynamic, but when it becomes everything, it can be detrimental. We need to reevaluate its role: competition should be a tool, not an end in itself. Society needs both competition and cooperation, care, and leisure time. Only by balancing these elements can we achieve progress while reducing the burden of stress and truly feel happy.