In the eyes of the general public, the so-called "first rich lead to later rich" used to be a beautiful picture: the pioneers sprinted in the long-distance economic race, sweating and hope, and the people who followed followed followed these footprints and crossed the road to prosperity.
But when we stand in the present and look back at the past, we can't help but wonder if this painting is still vibrant and can still resonate with us
The drip effect of wealth" is the brilliant cloak of this theory.
However, not everyone can feel the moisture of dripping water.
Sometimes, it is as if the dripping wealth only moistens the surface of the land, but fails to penetrate the deeper soil.
In reality, those who get rich first sometimes build walls, perhaps to protect their own fruits, but they also invisibly block the path of those who come after.
* The frenzy of the housing market, the imbalance of educational resources, and the gap in medical benefits ......All these phenomena tell us that the way for the first rich to lead the latter to become rich is not without obstacles.
We have to look at the fact that while the economic pie is expanding, whether the knife of distribution is sharp enough and fair enough is another question.
Looking at the surroundings, it is not difficult to find that those who have resources and information in their hands are often able to accumulate wealth more quickly.
These people have become the "first rich" in our society, and their success seems to prove to us that if you work hard, you can also be one of them.
But is this seemingly simple and straightforward formula for success really feasible for those who have a low starting point and few opportunities?I'm afraid it's not that simple.
We need to deeply understand whether the concept of the first rich driving the latter is still advancing with the times.
First, we need to recognize that economic growth does not automatically equate to individual affluence.
In today's society, resources are accumulating much faster than they are dispersed, which can lead to widening rather than narrowing the gap between rich and poor.
As Marx said: "The accumulation of capital, that is, the increase of wealth, is the accumulation of poverty, that is, the increase in the misery of the laborer." ”
This is not a blanket repudiation of capitalism, but a reminder of those who may be left behind in the fast track of the economy.
Second, we need to reflect on the responsibilities of those who got rich first.
Traditionally, the rich have a responsibility to help others, and this sense of social responsibility motivates them to invest in public utilities and philanthropy to drive the progress of society as a whole.
But now, has that sense of responsibility become thin?
The first rich think more about how to maintain or even expand their lead, rather than pulling the latecomers.
If this trend continues, it will make "the first rich lead the latter to become rich" in name only.
Finally, we must consider policy orientation.
Policies are not omnipotent, but without good policies, it is difficult for society to move forward.
From the tax system to the allocation of educational resources, from medical benefits to the construction of entrepreneurial environments, these are all areas where policies can intervene and play a role.
Wisdom and foresight are needed here, and overall economic and social planning is needed, not simply market laissez-faire or simple wealth redistribution.
In this matter, we need to go beyond the simple right and wrong, and beyond the simple binary opposition of getting rich first and getting rich later.
We need a more comprehensive perspective, a perspective that embraces diversity and multiple values, to re-examine the concept of "the first rich leads the latter to become rich".
Returning to the perspective of the general public, what they need is not only an empty promise for the future, but also a change in reality.
This change is not something that can happen overnight, nor can it be achieved by a single group or individual.
This requires the joint efforts of the whole society - including the responsibility of the first rich, the wisdom of the first and the struggle of every ordinary person.
Perhaps, we cannot expect everyone to become rich first, but we can at least strive to create a society in which everyone has the opportunity to improve their lives through their own efforts.
Even if the first rich lead the latter to the next is no longer as intuitive and effective as it once was, we still need to continue to explore new ways to work together to build a fairer and more inclusive society.
Here, I would like to quote a famous saying: "Wealth does not fall from the sky or come from outside, but is created by the joint efforts of all members of society." ”
This should be our creed, our new understanding and new starting point for "the first rich lead the latter to become rich".
Let us act together for a more just and hopeful future.