As a member of this nation, I feel compelled to address certain truths—truths often suppressed or avoided by those in authority. Everything in this world operates under natural laws; this is common sense. As former President Trump once stated, “Men are men, women are women, and God has only created two kinds of people.” While this assertion may be simplistic, it underscores a critical point: human beings must adhere to fundamental truths and maintain a clear sense of identity and humanity. When these principles are abandoned, chaos and destruction inevitably follow.

Of course, perfection is unattainable. As in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the interplay between Hamlet and Claudius creates a masterpiece; one cannot exist without the other. The challenge lies in defining what constitutes "human appearance, human nature, and cognition" in individuals, communities, and nations. These elements are vital to understanding societal progress or regression.

Seventy-Five Years of Change

China’s journey over the past 75 years provides a poignant example of societal transformation. The first 30 years, for me, feel distant and shrouded in history. Since the reform and opening-up in 1979, the nation has experienced profound changes. These changes, however, are subject to varied interpretations. Authorities offer one perspective, international observers another, and as an ordinary citizen, I have my own understanding. My interpretation focuses on what we, as grassroots people, have gained and lost—and whether we are progressing or regressing.

To analyze these changes, I reflect on the essence of human nature. A conversation with a friend once sparked a profound realization. He remarked that the chicken on our table “has never walked more than three kilometers in its life.” This comment, seemingly trivial, highlighted the stark contrast between free-range chickens and those bred in industrial farms. The latter are confined, consuming and growing in a controlled environment, engineered for maximum efficiency. Similarly, an authoritarian government resembles a vast industrial farm. It disregards natural laws and human nature, focusing solely on achieving its objectives by any means necessary. Just as industrial farming prioritizes profit over the well-being of animals, authoritarian regimes prioritize political goals over the welfare of their people.

The Consequences of Control

Such governance models often disregard the natural order, leading to dire consequences. Decades of economic growth in China have slowed, and the wealth accumulated over years has dissipated. Unemployment, bankruptcy, and even suicides are increasingly common. Extreme events—acts of violence and despair—have become disturbingly frequent. These phenomena, I believe, stem from a single root cause: selfishness.

Selfishness is an intrinsic part of human nature, but it becomes malignant when it infringes on the rights and well-being of others. Authoritarian governments, corrupt officials, and societal injustices all exemplify this malignancy. Worse, this selfishness is perpetuated and inherited across generations. Consider the daily flouting of traffic laws: adults ignoring red lights with children in tow. These children, observing such behavior, may grow up to perpetuate the same disregard for rules and norms. Unlike chickens in a farm, humans possess the capacity for thought and moral judgment. However, a society conditioned by authoritarianism risks losing its ability to discern right from wrong.

Moral Decay and Societal Regression

A society under authoritarian rule often devolves into a rigid, exploitative structure. From birth to death, individuals are conditioned to serve the system, their labor and wealth extracted for the benefit of a few. This model suppresses humanity and common sense, fostering a culture of passive acceptance. Over time, this moral decay becomes entrenched, affecting future generations. The loss of morality leads to disorder, and disorder ultimately results in societal collapse.

The Russo-Ukrainian War offers a parallel example. Under Vladimir Putin, Russia operates as a vast breeding farm, exploiting its people to pursue imperial ambitions. Putin’s authoritarian legacy from the Soviet era perpetuates a system of selfishness and exploitation, harming not only Russia but also other nations. This illustrates the broader principle that authoritarian systems may achieve temporary success but are unsustainable in the long term. Economic, social, and moral collapse are inevitable outcomes.

A Call to Action

China, a nation with a millennia-old civilization, must confront its current trajectory. History teaches us that societal collapse begins with the loss of morality, progresses to disorder, and culminates in complete loss of control. Which stage are we in now? The answer is sobering.

For much of my life, I have tried to adapt to this society, only to realize the difficulty of effecting meaningful change. Yet, as the Donglin Academy couplet from the Ming Dynasty reminds us: “The sound of wind, the sound of rain, the sound of reading—every sound is pleasant to the ear; family affairs, national affairs, world affairs—everything concerns the heart.” Writing, I believe, is one way to bear witness to this era and contribute to the discourse. Through reflection and expression, we can strive to understand our present and shape a better future.

This is not just my story but a reflection of our collective experience. It is a call to reclaim our humanity, challenge injustice, and envision a society rooted in morality, order, and progress.

Li Shoutao is a current affairs writer based in China.