The artificial intelligence revolution should herald a “singularity” moment for human civilization—a time when knowledge becomes nearly free, tools amplify human capability exponentially, and individual creativity emerges as our most valuable asset.

Yet a profound irony unfolds before us: while machines evolve at breathtaking speed, our educational systems—particularly in many developed nations—seem locked in accelerating decline.

We persist in using an industrial-age relic—a system that judges human worth solely through standardized test scores—to shape the minds that will inherit tomorrow.

This system doesn’t seek to inspire; it seeks to control. It doesn’t unleash human potential; it manufactures conformity.

While AI’s transformative power reshapes every corner of society, we stubbornly cast the shadow of test-driven education over children who should be preparing for an unknowable future.

This isn’t mere institutional inertia—it’s a betrayal of the next generation. We are quietly laying the foundation for a civilizational catastrophe.

I. The “Misalignment” of Test-Oriented Education in the AI Era: An Institutional Delay That Should Not Exist

Test-oriented education wasn’t inherently flawed from the start—it was simply a product of its time. It emerged to serve two specific needs:

Industrial assembly lines that demanded “standardized workers” Bureaucratic hierarchies that required mass selection of “standardized managers”

The industrial age assembly line’s demand for “standardized workers”; The bureaucratic hierarchical system’s large-scale selection of “standardized managers.”

Efficiency ruled that world, and test-oriented education served it perfectly. The system systematically eliminated individuality, crushed diversity, and molded vibrant human beings into interchangeable, predictable components.

It prized conformity over excellence, compliance over creativity.

The AI era operates on fundamentally opposite principles.

AI represents the ultimate realization—and transcendence—of standardization. It will absorb every repetitive, rule-based, predictable task, whether manual or cognitive.

What this era demands is everything machines cannot replicate: non-standardized creators, integrators who grasp complex systems, and thinkers who pose fundamental questions.

This creates a catastrophic structural mismatch:

Our age demands individuals with unique minds and distinctive perspectives, yet our schools continue mass-producing cognitive conformists.

This misalignment goes far beyond institutional lag—it represents a fundamental collision between civilization’s trajectory and our educational system’s direction.

It has become our era’s greatest source of wasted human potential and our heaviest anchor dragging us backward.

II. The “New Era Wooden People” Shaped by Test-Oriented Education

Under AI’s harsh spotlight, those “high-scoring, low-ability” products of test-oriented education face a brutal new reality. The question is no longer whether their skills are sufficient—it’s whether their skills are relevant at all.

These individuals share deeply troubling characteristics. They aren’t simply underprepared for the future—they’re being systematically rendered obsolete, like puppets whose strings have been cut, motionless in a world that no longer values what they offer.

1. Loss of Thinking: While AI Can Answer Questions, Humans Still Memorize

Test-oriented education doesn’t kindle intellectual fire—it crams students with information. It replaces critical thinking with memorized responses, substituting mechanical problem-solving for genuine understanding.

The tragedy is stark: in memory capacity, processing speed, analytical precision, and computational power, even our most brilliant students cannot compete with AI.

Students who master memorization and rapid calculation are perfecting skills that AI surpasses effortlessly. When education rewards machine-like behavior, it systematically punishes distinctly human qualities—curiosity, skepticism, and the hunger to explore complexity.

Humanity’s greatest asset—our capacity for deep, original thought—gets steadily eroded by the relentless grind of test preparation.

2. Loss of Expression: Unable to Question, Communicate, or Dialogue

Test-oriented education produces “answer people,” not “question people.” It demands students provide “correct” responses within rigid frameworks, rather than encouraging them to transcend those frameworks and challenge underlying assumptions.

In the AI era, however, answers have become commodities—cheap and abundant. What’s truly precious is the ability to ask penetrating questions. Tomorrow’s most vital skill isn’t “how to solve” but “defining what deserves solving”; not rote memorization, but meaningful dialogue with diverse individuals, cultures, and AI systems themselves; not conforming to standards, but articulating unique, personal insights.

Puppets need no voice—only the ability to execute programmed instructions. Test-oriented education transforms generations of naturally vibrant children into silent, passive beings who wait for commands.

3. Loss of Direction: Only Obedience and Fear Remain, No Self and Desire

Test-oriented education’s hidden curriculum proves far more influential than its official one. It systematically shapes psychology through institutional pressure—within a system where “test scores determine everything,” children internalize three survival (not growth) instincts:

Afraid to make mistakes: Mistakes mean point deductions, meaning failure. Fear of responsibility: Taking responsibility means possibly making mistakes. Only able to wait for commands: Only standard answers and teachers’ instructions are safe.

This “compliant personality” served the industrial age well, but proves lethal in the AI era.

AI excels precisely at replacing “compliant labor.” What AI cannot replicate is inner drive, independent value judgment, and the courage to embrace risk and responsibility.

The consequence is clear: as AI advances, these perfectly “disciplined” individuals find themselves increasingly obsolete. They’ve lost the ability to navigate uncertainty and forge their own paths.

4. Loss of Creativity: All Non-Standard Answers Are Killed by the System

The soul of the future is creativity—connecting the “unrelated,” creating “something from nothing.”

Test-oriented education’s evaluation system fundamentally opposes creativity. It delivers a crushing message to students:

“Your insights may be profound, your expression eloquent—but if it’s not a ‘scoring point,’ it’s worthless.”

This is not only the stifling of individual talent, but the systematic weakening of a civilization’s evolutionary capacity.

Creativity thrives on diversity. When society trains people to accept only “one correct answer,” it destroys intellectual biodiversity. Such civilizations, like genetically uniform species, become dangerously fragile when facing environmental upheaval—such as the AI revolution.

III. Why Will Test-Oriented Education Bring Catastrophic Consequences in the AI Era?

If in the past, the drawbacks of test-oriented education were merely “developmental problems,” in the AI era, they will directly evolve into “survival problems.” The consequences are systematic and potentially irreversible.

1. Large-Scale Employment Structure Collapse

The AI revolution fundamentally dismantles standardization. It targets precisely those jobs with clear rules, defined boundaries, and quantifiable outputs—the very “standardized positions” our education system prepares students for.

Test-oriented education produces exactly this type of “standardized talent.”

This creates a cruel irony: the more “successfully” someone is shaped by test-oriented education, the more likely they are to face complete displacement by AI. This isn’t temporary unemployment—it’s structural obsolescence. An entire generation will find that their years of study provide no competitive advantage for the future, not even a foundation for reinvention.

2. Cliff-Like Decline in Social Innovation Capacity

Innovation does not come from nowhere; it depends on social soil that tolerates failure, encourages risk-taking, and respects dissenting views.

East Asian nations—China, Japan, South Korea—remain trapped in test-oriented education’s quicksand, facing a shared crisis:

Innovative talent remains desperately scarce, while test-obsessed conformists flood the market.

In the AI age, nations without creative capacity can only follow others’ lead. Without the power to define the future, they become mere “data colonies” in the global intelligence ecosystem.

A society of “wooden people” stands no chance in the intensifying global competition for technological and civilizational leadership.

3. Concentrated Outbreak of Family and Social Psychological Crises

When the single goal of “exam machines” is achieved (or fails), they will inevitably crash into the iceberg of “meaning crisis.”

When children are alienated into tools for realizing parents’ (or society’s) expectations, their personalities are incomplete. They will face:

Extreme doubt about their own value (“I am nothing without scores”); Pathological fear of failure (“One exam failure means total loss”); Escape from real-world responsibilities and challenges; * Pervasive career anxiety and future fear.

This will lead to collective psychological crisis of an entire generation, whose repair costs far exceed education itself.

4. Decline in Future National Governance Capacity

What kind of governance does a complex, ever-changing future society need?

It needs: citizens’ wisdom, independent judgment, profound insight, firm sense of responsibility, and consensus on core values.

But what does test-oriented education mass-produce?

Obedient, submissive, patient “refined egoists” or “mechanical operators” who only care about personal interests and lack public rationality.

The AI era needs “qualified citizens,” not “obedient tools.”

Thus, the nation will face the most dangerous situation:

The nation faces its most perilous scenario: effective governance demands sophisticated human wisdom to guide and control AI, yet our educational system mass-produces “wooden people.” When society’s primary constituents become command-waiting automatons, they inevitably demand authoritarian leadership—a regression toward tyranny, not civilizational progress.

IV. The Only Way Out for Future Education: Let Children Become Human Again

Confronting AI’s challenge, educational reform is no longer optional—it’s existential. We must undertake four fundamental transformations with unwavering resolve, returning education to its true purpose: helping children reclaim their humanity.

1. From “Answer Education” to “Question Education”

Future education must train children to ask penetrating questions, to thrive amid uncertainty, and to identify crucial variables within information chaos—not to memorize predetermined answers.

2. From “Obedience Education” to “Subject Education”

Children must evolve from “passive knowledge recipients” into “active meaning creators.” This requires cultivating independent character, intrinsic motivation, and self-awareness—not producing compliant “model students” devoid of personal judgment.

3. From “Standardized Education” to “Creative Education”

We must shatter the tyranny of “test scores above all.” Education should embrace differences, encourage experimentation, and accept failure. The goal isn’t trimming away everything “non-standard,” but providing fertile ground where every form of uniqueness can flourish.

4. From “Exam Education” to “Civilization Education”

Education’s ultimate aim is developing complete human beings and engaged citizens, not compliant automatons. This demands reviving “humanistic education”—cultivating ethics, empathy, aesthetic appreciation, collaboration, and commitment to justice and goodness. These represent humanity’s permanent advantages over AI.

Each transformation presents enormous challenges, yet each is absolutely critical. Together, they determine whether the next generation becomes AI’s servants or its masters.

Conclusion: The Future of Civilization Needs Souls, Not Wooden People

AI will never destroy humanity.

What truly threatens humanity is our own choices—especially choosing an educational system that transforms humans into the most easily replaceable version of themselves.

The real danger isn’t increasingly sophisticated technology—it’s increasingly regressive education.

A society that clings to test-oriented education’s false efficiency will forfeit its future entirely.

A civilization that mass-produces soulless automatons will ultimately lose its own soul.

Education exists not for testing, not for sorting, not even for employment.

Education serves one purpose alone: nurturing full humanity—

Enabling people to stand with dignity in an uncertain future.

Enabling civilization to advance purposefully through time’s currents.

In the AI era, nations compete not on technology alone, but on education; not merely on knowledge, but on the depth and authenticity of human development itself.

Produced by Yicheng Commonweal

To those who truly love their country

I. Opening: Who does true governance belong to?

In today’s world, nearly every nation inscribes grand slogans such as “putting people first” or “rule of law” into its political declarations. These phrases are treated as if they automatically elevate a government to the moral high ground of civilization. Yet the reality is often the opposite. Such terms have become rhetorical veils that conceal authoritarianism or preserve privileged structures. Beneath them lies a political logic that serves not the people as a whole, but a small circle of power holders—state elites, wealthy elites, and cultural aristocrats.

Now, we must confront a question that has long been avoided: Whose interests should a nation truly be governed for?

The answer may not be complicated: the true masters of a nation must be every “complete citizen” who shares the rights and responsibilities of political, economic, social, and cultural governance.

This article will examine both theory and real-world cases to systematically challenge the absurdity of so-called “people-centered” and “rule-of-law” approaches, and to advance a governance model centered on complete citizens—an institutional framework that reflects the direction of future civilizational progress.

II. Pseudo “people-centered” and pseudo “rule-of-law”: the reality behind the institutional façade

1. “Putting people first”—but which people are we really talking about?

We cannot judge a nation’s civility merely by the slogan “people-centered”. In practice, the “people” it refers to are often not citizens in the general sense, but a select few within specific groups.

• In the United States, “freedom” and “individual rights” are constantly emphasized, yet the real foundation of governance is the control of national destiny by wealthy elites. The state apparatus is deeply intertwined with capital interests, resulting in extreme wealth inequality and long-term monopolization of public resources. What once were citizens’ rights have now largely become consumer perks and the illusion of meaningful voting, completely detached from genuine self-governance.
• In countries such as Russia and Iran, the stability of the regime relies on suppressing personal freedoms under the banner of “national security.” The slogan “people-centered” serves merely as a tool for maintaining control; in reality, governance is regime-centered.
• In Middle Eastern monarchies and Southeast Asian family-based authoritarian systems, there is little talk of “people-centered” governance at all. The state operates directly on the basis of ruling power and oligarchic economic structures, with the “people” reduced to subjects of the throne or instruments for resource extraction.

The common thread in these systems is that the “people” in the logic of governance are never recognized as autonomous individuals with full political, economic, and social rights. Instead, they exist as objects of rule, merely softened with polite or positive language.

Slogans may abound, but the status of the people remains unclear. In reality, so-called “people-centered” governance is often just a rhetorical device through which those in power claim legitimacy from society—it is not a system genuinely based on citizens.

2. “Rule of law”—but what is actually being governed?

At first glance, “rule of law” appears to be the rational achievement of modern state governance. In reality, however, it is more often a mechanism for maintaining existing systems than a genuine model of governance. A nation may have a complete legal system and standardized procedures, but this does not necessarily mean it is well-governed. The reasons are as follows:

• Law can itself be a tool of oppression.
  Nazi Germany had a comprehensive legal code, and South Africa under apartheid also acted “according to the law.” Yet in both cases, the law was not designed for all citizens—it served specific races or regimes.
• Law is not neutral. it is a reflection of the underlying values behind the system.
  In capitalist nations, the law upholds private property as its highest value, while in authoritarian states, its foremost aim is to secure political order. In both cases, the rights of citizens are routinely sacrificed for the sake of “legitimacy.”
• Rule of law cannot correct structural injustice.
  Laws are merely rules, but it is the institutions behind them that determine whether fairness is possible. If the design of these rules excludes the possibility of citizen participation, shared governance, and common good, then even the most complete legal system becomes nothing more than a pretext for procedural injustice.

In other words, the rule of law can maintain order, but it cannot create justice. When citizens are excluded from participating as the true subjects of law, the system becomes a softened form of power — a bloodless authoritarianism.

Although the rule of law is a basic element of modern governance, it remains a procedural mechanism rather than a governing paradigm. It preserves order but does not shape vision.

• Nazi Germany had a complete legal system, yet it used law to kill with legitimacy.
• During apartheid, South Africa enforced racial discrimination through law.
• In many countries today, “national security laws” are used to restrict free expression and punish dissent — all justified as lawful governance.

These historical facts have revealed that:

1. When legislation is controlled by non-civic mechanisms, the very perfection of law turns into a satire on justice.
2. True law arises only from the collective will of citizens who share the right to shape their own governance.

In short, the rule of law is not an end in itself but a means. Without the core value of complete citizenship, it risks turning into a form of legalized oppression.

III. The real solution: a governance model centered on complete citizens

What does it mean to build a nation around its citizens? It is not a slogan but a systemic logic. it is a comprehensive reconstruction of social governance. There are five primary features:

1. Recognition and protection of the “complete citizen”:
   A complete citizen possesses political decision-making power (such as legislative participation and the right to referendum), economic sovereignty (including labor dividends and public capital shares), social security (through welfare systems), and cultural freedom (a space for thought and expression free from oppression).
2. Broad civic participation in governance:
   The operation of state power should be built on citizen assemblies, social consultation mechanisms, and local self-governance — not on administrative bureaucracies or oligarchic elites.
3. Public resources open to all citizens:
   Education, healthcare, land, natinoal data, and finance should no longer be monopolized by the state or controlled by capital. They must be governed and shared through citizen trust systems.
4. Institutional transparency and civic participation:
   All processes of institutional design should be open and transparent. Citizens should have the right to propose, veto, and amend policies through democratic mechanisms.
5. Civilizational ethics and values above capital or security logic:
   The ultimate goal of governance should shift toward collective well-being and the sustainable growth of civilization, rather than mere economic expansion or authoritarian stability.

1. What is a complete citizen?

A complete citizen does not simply mean someone who holds official identification. It refers to an individual who is endowed with full rights to participate in, decide upon, and share the outcomes of state governance, including at least:

A complete citizen is not an abstract symbol, but a tangible force within the governance of the state.

Only when these rights are institutionalized, enforceable, and transparent do citizens truly become the masters of their nation.

2. Five institutional principles of citizen-centered governance

1. Shared governance structure: Major state decisions, resource allocation, and budget use should be grounded in citizen assemblies, public forums, and local self-governance systems.
2. Shared benefits system: Social wealth, including public capital, natural resources, and data assets, should be managed through a “citizen dividend fund,” distributing dividends to all citizens.
3. Consensus mechanisms: Deliberative democracy should serve as the institutional core, avoiding one-size-fits-all mandates while accommodating diversity, differences, and balancing interests.
4. Shared responsibilities: Citizens not only enjoy rights but also bear institutional responsibilities, such as supervising state power, participating in budget decisions, and protecting the environment.
5. Shared goals: The objectives of governance should no longer be mere economic growth or regime stability, but rather civilizational well-being, social engagement, and institutional trust.

VI. The evolution of governance: from subjects to citizens, from control to co-governance

Modes of governance do not emerge overnight. They are the outcome of continuous historical evolution.

Conclusion: Governance built around complete citizens is not an abstract ideal. It provides a concrete way to counter information tyranny, centralized power, and capital domination.

V. Global governance models: who is advancing toward citizen-led co-governance?

The conclusion is simple: efficient governance does not equal a civilized society. Citizen status is the key factor in judging the quality of a governance model. The first benchmark of good governance is citizens’ institutional position, not economic output or political stability.

VI. The historical and civilizational necessity of citizen-centered governance

• History moves from subjects to citizens, from domination to co-governance.
  Whether it was the French Revolution, the American War of Independence, or the democratic transitions in post-colonial states, the underlying essence has always been the pursuit of citizen agency.
• With the rapid advancement of technology, governance need to return to human-centered collaboration.
  With AI, blockchain, and data governance, old-style centralized control is too expensive and hard to trust. A country can only be strong, open, efficient, and fair if citizens are actively involved in decision-making networks.

The society of the future will be one of co-governance, not mere regulation.
Global challenges—like climate change, pandemics, and resource scarcity—force countries to adopt universal participation mechanisms. Citizens should become the designers, implementers, and evaluators of institutions. Otherwise, the system loses its legitimacy.

VII. Systemic risks and future governance challenges

A citizen-centered governance model is not a “perfect state” and must confront several real-world challenges:

• Populist polarization: Unrestricted citizen participation may lead to emotional politics and rising xenophobia.
• Data monopoly: If AI, large models, and algorithmic platforms are not publicly owned, a new digital ruling class could emerge.
• Governance fatigue: Without incentives and institutional feedback, citizen participation can fall into superficial democracy.
• Fragmented governance: Diverse participation without top-level consensus may result in uncoordinated policies and localism.

The solution is to create a governance system that brings together deliberation, public data, civic education, and citizen responsibilities, enabling a virtuous cycle of co-governance.

Conclusion: The ultimate purpose of a state is not to rule, but to ensure the happiness of its people living together. The height of civilization is determined by the depth of its citizens’ participation.

Whether a country is truly “civilized” does not depend on how much wealth it produces or how strong its military is. It depends on whether every citizen is recognized as a genuine master of the state, whether institutional arrangements guarantee their rights to participate in governance, pursue happiness, and contribute to civilization—and whether these rights are actually exercised.

In other words, a civilized state acknowledges, institutionalizes, and empowers each citizen’s rights to governance, well-being, and participation in democracy.

The so-called citizen-centered governance model is not just a systemic innovation. It is a great return to the true purpose of the state—a community built by the people, for the people, and run together by the people.

In this era of institutional disputes, uncontrolled technology, and crossroads of civilization, we must take this decisive step: return power to the people, restore authority to the citizenry, and build a state that truly belongs to every complete citizen.

We must move beyond the hypocrisy of “people-centered” rhetoric and the partial logic of “rule of law,” and return to the simplest, yet the most powerful principle of governance: each person, as a complete citizen, co-governs, co-owns, and co-creates the civilization of their state.

The true purpose of a nation is to protect basic human rights, uphold the dignity of its people, and improve their quality of life.

If a country appears powerful but its people are suffering—if there is national pride but public anxiety—then that country is just an empty shell. It may look strong on the outside, but inside it is full of deep problems.

That is why it is essential to understand the difference between “serving the state” and “serving the people.” A modern government must see serving its people as the only true source of legitimacy. Only then can a nation remain stable, fair, and truly prosperous.

I. The conflict between serving the state and serving the people

“Serving the state” usually means focusing on national goals like economic growth, military power, global influence, and national security.

“Serving the people” means protecting individual rights—fair income, stable jobs, affordable housing and healthcare, free speech, fair justice, public welfare, dignity, and political participation.

These two goals should go hand in hand. But in practice, especially in how governments use power, there are often structural conflicts:

• Resource conflict: Governments spend more on big projects or military and choose to cut public welfare spending.
• Unequal participation in decision making: National strategies are decided by a small elite; ordinary citizens have little say.
• Different values: Power wants control and unity, while people need freedom and choices.
• Unfair benefits: “National interest” often serves the rich and powerful, while citizens are left behind.

These deep conflicts are the biggest problem with “state-centered” policies—and the real threat to the people.

II. What are the risks of “state-centered” policies?

Some governments, in order to protect national image or appear strong in foreign affairs, choose to sacrifice the rights and wellbeing of their citizens. Over time, this leads to seven major risks, with consequences that are hard to ignore:

1. Collapse of social trust

Citizens lose trust in the government, the legal system, and institutions. As a result, policies lose effectiveness.

2. Widening wealth gap

Powerful capital groups take advantage of national strategies to control resources. Wealth becomes concentrated among the few, while the poor get poorer.

3. Crisis of political legitimacy

Public confidence in the government fades. People no longer believe in the system, and the state’s legitimacy begins to erode.

4. Rising social anxiety

High costs of housing, jobs, education, healthcare, and retirement create widespread stress and insecurity.

5. Rigid policymaking

Decision-making is dominated by a small elite. Without public input or checks and balances, policies become outdated and tensions build up.

6. Backlash from media control

When free speech is suppressed, public frustration grows beneath the surface, creating a false sense of peace while unrest brews underneath.

7. Decline in long-term national strength

A society without freedom and fairness loses its creativity, innovation, and energy. In the long run, the nation’s global competitiveness will suffer.

III. Core principles of a people-centered government

A truly modern government must be guided by four key principles that serve the people:

1. People’s wellbeing comes first

Government spending must first support basic needs—healthcare, education, housing, jobs, and retirement.

2. Protection of rights

The constitution must guarantee citizens’ rights to know, to speak, to participate, and to hold power accountable.

3. Transparency in public finances

Budgets, spending, and government decisions must be fully transparent. Taxpayers have the right to monitor how public funds are used.

4. Limits on state power

State power must be bound by law, used only for the public good—not for personal gain, private interest, or political inheritance.

IV. A balanced structure for national governance

To build a fair and effective system, We need three-pillar governance model with dual-level counterbalance.

V. Reforming the civil service: new standards for a modern era

A truly modern civil servant must meet the following criteria:

1. Public-first mindset: serve the interests of taxpayers, not just follow orders from above.

2. Performance-based evaluation: measured by public well-being, citizen satisfaction, and policy implementation results.

3. Lifetime accountability: retirement does not exempt one from responsibility for past actions.

4. Public reporting system: regularly report achievements and problems to citizens, and accept public questioning.

5. Separation from business interests: strict bans on collusion with capital groups; assets must be declared and transparent.

VI. A mature model of tripartite governance

In a fully modern state, governance should evolve to the following form:

• Reduced government scope: government is limited to macro coordination, national defense, foreign affairs, justice, and legislation.
• Full autonomy of social organizations: sectors like healthcare, education, academia, and community affairs are managed by self-governing bodies.
• Comprehensive citizen oversight: establish citizen assemblies, policy referendum days, and annual government satisfaction voting.
• Public budgeting under citizen control: national budgets must be approved by a citizen assembly each year.
• Transparent public projects: major national projects require open proposals, public opinion surveys, and third-party evaluations.

VII. Conclusion: serving the people is the foundation of the state

A country may appear strong, but if its people suffer, that strength is hollow and unstable.

A country may seem powerful, but without public trust, it cannot last.

The only rightful path to national governance is to build a people-centered modern system—rooted in citizen rights, focused on quality of life, guided by people-first budgeting, protected by limited and transparent power, and secured through open and participatory institutions.

Only then can a nation achieve lasting peace, public trust, and sustainable development.

Freedom of speech and information sovereignty—both fundamental for protecting human dignity, group identity, and holding power to account—are now under systematic erosion. This decline is driven by the convergence of digital hegemony, platform-based capital monopolies, and expanding state security apparatuses.

On the surface, everyone appears to have the right to speak, information seems everywhere, and public discourse is more active than ever. In reality, what lies beneath is a hidden, systematic war of modern information colonialism.

The true aim of this war is not only to seize data and economic power, but to reshape people’s perception, thinking, beliefs, emotions, and behavior—ultimately dismantling the independence and critical capacity of civil society.

I. The nature and social function of freedom of speech

Freedom of speech is not merely about fulfilling individual desires to express opinions. It is a vital defense mechanism in modern democratic societies. It ensures that:

• Citizens can criticize power and expose the truth, helping prevent authoritarianism and corruption.
• Diverse viewpoints can interact and challenge one another, promoting public reason and preventing mass irrationality.
• Marginalized voices are heard, supporting social justice and inclusion.
• Free thinking is encouraged, driving cultural innovation and progress.

Once freedom of speech is systematically suppressed, society loses its ability to self-correct. Political power becomes unchecked, elites gain unearned privilege, public understanding grows increasingly one-sided, dissent disappears—and in time, information totalitarianism takes hold.

What passes for “freedom” on modern digital platforms is merely a controlled version of free speech—carefully calculated and tightly managed. Platforms and authorities jointly set the rules, shape acceptable language, and define the boundaries of public discourse. This creates the illusion of vibrant freedom, while in reality it is a slow, simmering process of domestication—boiling the frog without it ever realizing.

II. The strategic value of information sovereignty in global competition

Information sovereignty refers to a nation or society’s ability to independently control and manage its digital information flows, data resources, narrative frameworks, and systems of public perception.

In the digital age, information sovereignty is no longer a secondary issue. It now directly concerns:

• The effectiveness and legitimacy of governance: Control over data resources shapes a government’s ability to perceive, anticipate, and respond to societal developments.
• National economic competitiveness: Data has become a new factor of production, playing a crucial role in industrial layout planning, technological innovation, and market advantage.
• Cultural autonomy and diversity: Maintaining independent narratives is essential for preserving cultural plurality and safeguarding civilizational dignity.
• The protection of citizen rights: Data sovereignty also determines whether a fair, secure, and trustworthy digital environment can be built—one that protects privacy and freedom of expression.

Who controls data resources holds the power to predict, manipulate, and influence social dynamics and public sentiment. Internationally, information has emerged as a new strategic resource—following energy, finance, and military assets—and the global struggle for information sovereignty is intensifying.

1. Digital superpowers call for open data and human rights—but behind the slogans, they harvest data, shape public opinion, meddle in politics, and support their own agents in developing countries.

2. Digital colonialism is silently infiltrating other societies through social media, search engines, short videos, and trending lists—reshaping how people think, weakening trust in local governments, and deepening social division and confusion.

III. The dual influence of platform capital and state power

Domestically, tech giants have evolved from mere information distributors into dominant gatekeepers of public discourse and manipulators of collective perception. To maximize traffic and profits, they promote emotional, divisive, and shallow content, while pushing down rational, thoughtful, and critical voices—creating a kind of algorithm-driven authoritarianism.

At the same time, the government—seeking stability and control—uses tools like keyword filters, AI monitoring, account bans, shadow bans, and online response teams to manage what can be said online. Together, these tools enable 24/7, full-chain regulation of the digital public sphere.

The collusion between capital and state power has led to a double deprivation for social citizens:

• Freedom of speech is controlled by platform algorithms and censorship;
• Information sovereignty is seized by both governments and corporations, leaving individuals powerless over their own digital lives.

Under such a structure, public discourse becomes a hollow spectacle—loud on the surface but monotonous in content, driven by emotion, lacking reason, silencing dissent, and detached from truth.

IV. The operating logic of modern digital colonialism

Unlike traditional colonialism based on military force and territorial occupation, digital colonialism operates through four key mechanisms:

• Data extraction: Transnational platforms collect local user data—often illegally or semi-legally—for profiling, targeted advertising, and public opinion prediction.
• Narrative control: Using trending lists, algorithmic distribution, and traffic restrictions, platforms shape popular topics, conceal systemic issues, amplify nationalism, and create a climate of hostility.
• Cultural erosion: Through content that promotes entertainment, vulgarity, and consumerism, digital platforms undermine individual autonomy, public reason, and cultural confidence—leading to a society driven by distraction and emotion.
• Cognitive warfare: In key political and social moments, coordinated opinion campaigns are launched to distort public perception, weaken trust in local governments, and elevate proxy influencers aligned with external agendas.

V. The alienation of citizens’ information rights

In today’s digital society, many citizens have become passive digital subjects, showing the following tendencies:

• Willingly surrendering their privacy in exchange for endless streams of content;
• Lacking critical thinking and blindly trusting algorithmic recommendations;
• Seeking a false sense of presence and identity through information servitude;
• Internalizing self-censorship and instinctively avoiding sensitive expression.

Even as they sense their lack of freedom, they continue to believe in its illusion. Lost in a sea of information, they drift away from truth and judgment—reduced to digital workers and content fodder, feeding the machinery of the platform economy.

VI. Pathways to reclaiming information sovereignty

To break free from modern digital colonialism and restore the rightful sovereignty of citizens over information, the following six strategies are essential:

1. Establish a Citizens’ Data Protection Charter: Define personal data ownership as belonging to individuals. Neither the state nor platforms should be allowed to access or exploit this data without explicit, legal consent.
2. Develop independent digital infrastructure: Build homegrown search engines, social media platforms, and public forums to reduce reliance on foreign platforms and assert technological autonomy.
3. Limit platform power over public discourse: Create independent speech arbitration bodies to protect dissenting voices and prevent manipulation of public opinion.
4. Promote an international anti-digital-colonial alliance: Form coalitions with other affected nations to resist digital hegemony and reject unilateral data exploitation.
5. Enhance media literacy education: Equip citizens with the skills to critically evaluate content, resist cognitive manipulation, and become thoughtful, critical digital participants.
6. Encourage citizen-led information communities: Support the creation of decentralized, autonomous digital communities that enable pluralistic discourse and equal participation.

Conclusion

Information sovereignty and freedom of speech are not abstract ideals—they are essential tools for citizens in modern society to survive and resist digital authoritarianism.

When free expression is fully censored and information sovereignty becomes a plaything for capital and power, civil society loses its ability to self-correct, self-understand, and self-liberate.

If we do not awaken today, the future will hold no free society—only digital prisons and traffic-driven servitude.

Only through action, struggle, and unity can we tear apart the illusion of false freedom, reclaim the information sovereignty that belongs to the people, and rebuild a truly free, just, diverse, and rational digital world.

The root cause does not lie in history itself, but in the way we perceive it.

When we place history on a timeline, it turns into something we can analyze, categorize, and interpret. It allows us to see how civilizations have grown and to understand the forces that shaped their institutions.

When we use past experience as a direct analogy for the present, we easily slip into a fatalistic mindset. History then appears as nothing more than a cycle of inevitability, and its lessons rarely turn into real institutional reform or breakthroughs in understanding.

This article begins with these two different ways of viewing history and explores how they shape our understanding of civilization, our collective psychology, and the institutions we build. It also seeks to answer a central question: Why do we often recognize the lessons of history, yet still find ourselves trapped in the recurring dilemmas of civilization?

I. History in sequence: restoring reality and tracing paths

Placing history along a timeline is a rational and systematic way of observing it. Grounded in facts, it unfolds events in chronological order, turning the past from vague legends or emotional recollections into historical realities that can be analyzed and understood, with clear patterns of causality and structure.

The core value of this approach lies in three aspects:

• Seeing history in its full complexity:
  No turning point in history ever happened in isolation. Each was shaped by a web of factors, both internal and external. Looking at history through a timeline makes it easier to uncover these causes and developments, and it helps us avoid oversimplifying or taking things out of context.
• Tracing the paths of civilization:
  By comparing events across regions and following their progression over time, we can sketch out the journey of humanity—from small tribes to great empires, and eventually to modern civilization. This perspective offers guidance for how today’s societies can better define their place, design their systems, and shape their social structures.
• Turning lessons into action:
  When history is grounded in concrete facts, its lessons become more than abstract warnings. They can serve as foundations for real decisions. The Great Depression of 1929, for example, pushed modern states to create systems of economic regulation, while the devastation of World War II led the international community to establish frameworks for balance of power and global cooperation.

The value of the timeline perspective is that it resists treating history as the repetition of fate. Instead, it draws attention to the role of changing variables.

It recognizes that history is open-ended and that civilizations can follow many different paths. It emphasizes human agency and the weight of institutional choices.

Progress is not dictated by some fixed “law of history,” but by how we face the present, learn from the past, and shape the future.

II. Seeing history within history: cycles of experience and the trap of fate

In contrast to the rational, timeline-based approach, a more common way of understanding history is to read the present through the patterns of the past. People look for “laws” distilled from earlier events and try to use them as guides for today.

The driving force behind this way of thinking is humanity’s natural fear of uncertainty. Faced with a complex and shifting reality, we instinctively reach for familiar experiences to explain the present and predict what comes next. This search for certainty, however, easily slips into the abyss of fatalism.

This tendency shows up in several ways:

• Historical lessons are often oversimplified.
  Phrases like “what rises must fall,” “poverty breeds chaos,” or “the world moves in cycles” are frequently treated as universal truths. When similar signs appear today, people tend to rely on these old patterns, ignoring new factors and the unique circumstances of the present, which leads to stagnant thinking.
• Current problems are normalized.
  When society faces corruption, rigid social hierarchies, or abuse of power, many respond with phrases like “it has always been this way” or “history repeats itself,” as if these issues are inevitable and require no real action or reform. This mindset allows problems to persist and crises to remain hidden.
• 3. Civilization falls into self-replication and path dependency.
  When collective thinking is trapped by historical patterns, it becomes difficult for a civilization to explore new directions. The two World Wars of the 20th century, for example, were in some ways a continuation of 19th-century imperialist expansion under a new historical context.

Ultimately, reading history through history carries a profound danger: it turns historical lessons into seemingly immutable laws, sapping contemporary society of the will to correct mistakes and drive change.

III. Why history teaches but fails to change us

Why does human society repeatedly encounter similar disasters yet fail to learn from them? The problem is not that history is unclear; rather, within civilization, there exist three deep-rooted mechanisms that systematically dilute—or even block—the lessons of the past from being passed on and applied.

1. The self-preserving mechanism of power

Rulers and entrenched interest groups often manipulate or even distort historical truths to maintain their grip on power. The fall of a previous dynasty, for example, might be explained as “the mandate of heaven ended” or “the people’s hearts were unpredictable,” rather than as a result of institutional collapse or social imbalance.

This selective retelling of history essentially serves to undermine the legitimacy of change and preserve the existing order.

2. The inertia of collective thinking

Public consciousness tends to favor familiar, linear explanations that align with traditional experience, while remaining wary of complexity and uncertainty. This cognitive inertia makes society more inclined to accept fatalistic narratives like “what rises must fall,” rather than probing the specific institutional failures behind events.

Over time, historical experience becomes simplified into patterns, serving more as a form of psychological comfort than as a practical guide for action.

3. The mechanism of controlling the narrative

Whoever controls the narrative controls the meaning of history. In most societies, history is written by official sources, while reflective voices from the public are marginalized or even suppressed. As a result, even when real lessons exist, they rarely make their way into mainstream education or public discourse, cutting off access to collective awareness.

These three mechanisms intertwine, making it difficult for civilizations to develop effective self-correction. History is not only forgotten—it is formatted and exploited, becoming a tool to perpetuate old patterns rather than a resource to open new paths.

Consequently, even when disasters recur, society may still choose familiar but failed approaches, falling into cycles that seem, again and again, “inevitable.”

IV. Realistic pathways for civilization to break through

To truly learn from history, civilization must break free from both blind reliance on past experience and fatalistic thinking, returning to an understanding of history rooted in facts, logic, and changing circumstances. This kind of breakthrough is not just an abstract shift in ideas—it requires a deep reconstruction of collective understanding and institutional practice in the real world.

This means:

• 1. Embracing the full complexity of history and resisting simplified narratives.History should be analyzed within its specific context, taking into account multiple variables, so that we understand the deeper causes of events rather than reducing them to explanations like “destiny” or “human nature.”
• 2. Acknowledging civilization’s openness and capacity for choice.Civilization’s path is not predetermined. Its future depends on whether society can tackle complex problems, improve collective understanding, build self-correcting systems, and make rational institutional decisions at key moments.
• 3. Turning historical lessons into practical governance.Historical tragedies should not be treated as inevitable. By studying them, we can identify the human and systemic factors—such as institutional collapse, power imbalances, and social disorder—and use these insights to design better institutions and strengthen the resilience of a society.

Conclusion

When we look at history along a timeline, it reveals its true form, serving as a guide to how civilizations evolve.

But if we try to understand the present and predict the future by simply applying past patterns, we risk falling into cycles of repetition and the trap of fatalism. Lessons fail to take hold, and civilizations become stuck in self-reinforcing loops.

Progress does not happen automatically with the passage of time, nor is it dictated by some hidden law of history. It depends on a few clear-sighted individuals—those willing to question old paradigms, break free from habitual thinking, and rebuild institutions and social order. They create ruptures in history and drive the renewal of civilization. They are the ones who give true meaning to the lessons of the past.

1. What is a state? What is a citizen?

A state is not merely a set of borders, institutions, regimes, or ruling authorities. In its modern form, a state is a political community voluntarily formed by a group of social citizens, organized around shared interests, common security, and collective visions for the future. Citizens are the foundation and core of the state. Without genuine citizens, a state loses its legitimacy as a political community and degenerates into a mere instrument of rule and coercion.

True citizenship is not defined solely by residence or possession of national identity documents. It is defined by the exercise of political sovereignty.

Only when individuals possess political sovereignty can they become true agents within the national community—able to decide, monitor, participate in, and place checks on the operation of state power. Only then does the state become “our state,” rather than a tool monopolized by a privileged few.

2. Historical depth: the evolution of the state and sovereignty

Looking back through human political history, the earliest forms of the state emerged from tribal alliances, military conquest, and territorial rule. These early “states” were held together by force and bloodline, with individuals stripped of rights and subjects possessing no sovereignty of their own.
In the age of feudal empires and theocratic regimes, political sovereignty was concentrated entirely in the hands of monarchs, popes, nobles, and clergy. The people were treated as livestock—powerless, disposable, and voiceless.

It was not until the rise of the modern nation-state—through the Enlightenment, bourgeois revolutions, and the creation of constitutional governments—that the idea of popular sovereignty and citizen political participation began to enter state structures. The French Revolution declared that “sovereignty belongs to the people.” The U.S. Constitution established a “government of the people” and a popularly elected legislature. From this point onward, the political legitimacy of modern states began to rest on the principle of citizen sovereignty.

Yet even today, truly citizen-sovereign states remain rare. In most countries, the idea of “rule by the people” exists only in name. In practice, power is still concentrated in the hands of a few, while citizens remain passive, subordinate, and politically excluded.

Where citizens are absent, sovereignty is hollow. Where sovereignty is hollow, the state decays—and with it, civilization stalls.

3. The true meaning of political sovereignty

Political sovereignty is not a symbolic clause in the constitution, nor is it limited to occasional elections. It is the genuine right of citizens to participate meaningfully in the operation of state power, the making of public decisions, the allocation of public resources, and the design of governance structures.

This system includes:

• Decision-making power: Citizens have the right to express opinions, propose ideas, and take part in decisions on major national issues—not merely to passively accept outcomes made by others.
• Oversight power: Citizens have the right to monitor the actions of the government, judiciary, military, and public institutions, holding them accountable and preventing abuse of power.
• Recall power: Citizens have the right to remove officials who violate public interests or harm citizens’ rights.
• Participation rights: Citizens should be able to engage widely in national affairs—whether through parliaments, civic organizations, public forums, or digital platforms—across domains such as law, economy, education, welfare, and environmental policy.

If a state allows only formalistic voting but denies citizens substantive political sovereignty, then the people become mere numbers, and the state becomes an oligarchy.

4. Without sovereignty, citizenship is just a lie

In today’s world, many countries claim to be “citizen-based,” but in reality, citizenship often exists only in name. Citizens are given legal identity, but not real power. They have no sovereignty and no true role in governing the country.

They carry obligations and pay the price, but are left out of the decision-making process, becoming mere subordinates of the state.

This means:

• Public resources are neither fairly nor transparently distributed, and decisions are made behind closed doors, allowing a small elite to monopolize the benefits meant for all.
• The legal system does not always protect equality. Some people enjoy privileges, while basic rights for the majority are often ignored.
• Policies are shaped by powerful interest groups. There is no strong system to protect public interest.
• Public opinion is manipulated and citizens have no real way to speak their minds.

This creates a troubling social structure: the state promises to put citizens first, but fails to treat them as true participants in public affairs.

When sovereignty slips from the hands of the people, the state loses its power to unite hearts and minds. Social trust begins to crumble, and the foundation of civilization starts to shake. In the end, such a nation no longer belongs to all its people—it becomes the private property of a privileged few, and its decline becomes irreversible.

5. The impact of lost sovereignty on a nation’s fate

History and reality both repeatedly prove this: any nation that strips its citizens of sovereignty will eventually fall into four major crises:

1. Social fragmentation: When political power is overly concentrated and the public lacks channels for participation and oversight, social classes become rigid, and tensions between different groups cannot be resolved through institutional means. This may ultimately lead to deep division or even national disintegration.
2. Crisis of legitimacy: A government’s legitimacy depends on citizens’ trust and sense of belonging. Once people are politically marginalized, collective identity weakens, and public trust in government declines. The regime is then forced to rely on coercion to maintain order, pushing the state into a crisis of rule.
3. Collapse of public morality: When governance revolves solely around power and profit—rather than responsibility and the common good—public morality begins to erode. Core values like justice, fairness, trust, and accountability lose institutional support, leading to moral decline and social decay.
4. National decline and collapse: History shows that whether empires or modern states, once they lose the support of the people, their systems of governance break down, and their social structures weaken, they become unable to respond to internal and external challenges—ultimately falling into irreversible decline or complete collapse.

6. The only path to a civilized future

If human civilization is to continue progressing, there is only one viable path: the full establishment of a modern state system based on citizen political sovereignty. This means:

• All state power must belong to the citizens, and political authority must be derived from their consent.
• Citizens must enjoy equal, open, and ongoing rights to political participation.
• A strict system of checks, balances, and accountability must be in place to prevent the privatization of power and the formation of political oligarchies.
• Public affairs must be transparent and open, allowing citizens to express their views in real time and receive meaningful responses and feedbacks.
• A citizen-led society must be built, advancing mechanisms for local governance, industry self-regulation, and community-level consultation.

Only through such a system can a nation truly become a citizen-based state—one that is stable, just, and prosperous. Only then can civilization continue to evolve.

Conclusion

Without citizen sovereignty, there can be no true citizen state.

A nation without the political sovereignty of its citizens becomes nothing more than a regime of elites and a machine of coercion.

A society without citizen sovereignty becomes a stage of oppression, exploitation, and hollow performances.

A civilization without citizen sovereignty is destined to fall into darkness, corruption, and collapse.

The true owners of a country can only be its civic citizens—those who hold political sovereignty in their own hands. The future belongs to the citizens: those who have the courage to awaken, to participate, to claim, and to defend their sovereignty.

This is the bottom line for the existence of any nation, and the final safeguard for the future of civilization.

In free and democratic societies, education is seen as the key to awakening public awareness, protecting human rights, checking political power, and advancing social justice. But in authoritarian regimes, education is repurposed as a tool of control—used to train obedience, maintain the system, and suppress the truth.

As Aristotle once said, “The fate of empires depends on the education of youth.” In a dictatorship, education loses its role as the light of civilization. It becomes a weapon—used by the ruling class to break down personal freedom, reshape identity, distort thinking, and turn citizens into mental servants.

This article offers a systematic analysis of why authoritarian states reject democratic education, how they build a corrupted system of schooling, what kind of content and personnel they rely on, and how they raise generations of citizens with damaged cognitive abilities.

This analysis draws on historical patterns observed across various times and places, without reference to any particular nation.

Why authoritarian regimes reject democratic education

At the heart of democratic education lies a simple yet powerful idea: during the formative years of a person’s life, education should cultivate independent thinking, critical reasoning, rational understanding, and an awareness of rights. This is done through the transmission of knowledge, the awakening of values, and the shaping of character.

Once exposed to democratic education, people may begin to develop:

• The ability to tell right from wrong and to see through lies
• The right to voice opinions and participate in public life
• The awareness to question authority and challenge injustice
• The capacity to tolerate diverse values and different ways of life

Democratic education is to a free society what sunlight is to plants, or air to life itself—without it, civilization withers and society decays.

The Abyss Kingdom, as a typical authoritarian regime, is built on absolute power, strict control of information, and total public obedience. If democratic education is introduced, people begin to develop awareness of their rights, critical thinking, historical reflection, and the ability to question the system. This directly threatens the legitimacy of authoritarian rule.

Democratic education threatens to undermine the three core supports of authoritarian rule:

• Monopoly over historical truth: Democratic education encourages the search for truth and the restoration of historical reality. In contrast, authoritarian regimes rely on rewriting history, covering up past atrocities, and constructing myths of national glory to maintain control.
• Myth of sacred power: While democratic education teaches that power must be held accountable and serve the people, authoritarian systems depend on deifying leaders and promoting the idea that power is above question.
• Climate of fear: Democratic education fosters courage, encourages critical thinking, and breaks down fear. But fear is essential to authoritarian governance—it maintains obedience through intimidation, surveillance, and psychological conditioning.

Once education moves beyond basic technical skills and enters the realm of history, philosophy, politics, law, ethics, or sociology, it inevitably raises questions about power and legitimacy. Intellectual awakening fosters individual reflection and collective awareness—forces that authoritarian systems find deeply destabilizing.

Therefore, authoritarian regimes must sever all pathways to genuine intellectual enlightenment. In its place, they promote only what serves the system: fake truths, fragmented teachings, and ideologically sanitized content. Democratic education is not just unwelcome—it is banned outright. Because once minds begin to awaken, the regime’s grip on power begins to crack.

The four pillars of education in the Abyss Kingdom

After cutting off democratic education and halting intellectual enlightenment, authoritarian regimes must construct a closed, coercive, and systematic model of dark education designed to reshape human cognition, emotion, personality, and values into a form that serves authoritarian power.

1. Education for ignorance

The primary goal of ignorance-based education is to disrupt the development of a complete and independent worldview by erasing, distorting, or withholding critical knowledge. The result is a population left cognitively impaired, deprived of the tools needed to understand their world.

Measurements:

• Erasing historical truth: rewriting or concealing records of tyranny, massacres, and repression, while fabricating illusions of “great leaders” and “national rejuvenation.”
• Hollowing out the humanities: minimizing or eliminating philosophy, ethics, political science, sociology, and legal studies—preserving only technical or natural sciences that pose no threat to the regime.
• Injecting false knowledge: promoting pseudoscience, fake history, and conspiracy theories such as ethnic supremacy, leader-worship, or hostile foreign plots.
• Banning critical thinking: removing courses on logic, dialectics, or analytical reasoning to prevent the development of rational and independent minds.

Effects:

• A population with weakened cognitive abilities and poor judgment
• Public thought confined to the artificial framework created by state propaganda
• Knowledge transformed from a tool of empowerment into a weapon of subjugation

2. Hatred-based education

Hatred-based education works by dividing people into “us” and “them.” It deliberately fuels nationalism, class resentment, and hostility toward the outside world. The goal is to shape citizens who are narrow-minded, aggressive, and emotionally unstable—easier to control and quicker to obey. By stirring up fear and anger, the regime can redirect public frustration, maintain social pressure, and protect its own grip on power.

Measurements:

• Demonizing the “enemy” in textbooks: portraying foreign powers, dissidents, spies, and critics as national threats.
• Creating online scapegoats: flooding public discourse with labels like “foreign hostile forces,” “traitors,” or “cultural pollution” to fuel resentment toward alternative views.
• Promoting a victim-revenge narrative: emphasizing historical victimhood and the need for revenge, keeping the public in a heightened emotional state of persecution and retaliation.

Effects:

• A population prone to paranoia, hostility, and ideological rigidity
• Internal conflicts are deflected outward, helping the regime preserve “stability.”
• Citizens begin to police each other, turning into enforcers of ideological purity.

3. Fascist education

Fascist education demands absolute loyalty and worship of power, the leader, and the nation. It completely denies individual dignity and values, and dissolves personal will into the “state,” the “leader,” and the “national destiny.”

Measurements:

• Mandatory courses from kindergarten through university that indoctrinate leader worship, political doctrine, and loyalty oaths.
• Leader portraits, regime slogans, and songs of loyalty displayed prominently in schools, with regular or surprise group recitations and performances.
• Systematic removal of concepts like free will, human rights, and individualism from curricula, replaced by moral teachings emphasizing “self-sacrifice” and “obedience to the collective.”

Effects:

• Uniformity of personality, loss of individual will, and aesthetic degradation
• Individual cognition, emotions, and will become dependent on authoritarian power.
• A breeding ground for mass extremism, fueling fascist regimes with devoted human resources.

4. Slave education

The ultimate goal of slave education is to strip individuals of free will and independent personality, cultivating obedient subjects who lack thought, resistance, and self-esteem.

Measurements:

• Promoting the idea that “a good child is an obedient child.”
• Discouraging independent thought; punishing students who voice personal opinions.
• Encouraging a culture of surveillance—reporting on peers and family, engaging in public self-criticism—to destroy trust and enforce submission.
• Embedding covert doctrines such as “individual interests must yield to the state,” “the leader is always right,” and “to oppose the leader is to betray the nation.”

Effects:

• People become psychologically dependent on authority, losing self-respect and free will.
• Critical thinking atrophies; obedience becomes instinctive.
• Society is filled with compliant followers, informants, blind loyalists, and those unable to think independently—conditions ideal for sustaining totalitarian rule.

Content engineering and operational mechanisms of education in the Abyss Kingdom

Every education system relies on content—but in an authoritarian regime like the Abyssal State, this reliance becomes a tool of control. To construct a stable and long-lasting cognitive cage, the regime must systematically produce and manage educational materials that suppress independent thought, erase critical awareness, and normalize submission and hatred. The state monopolizes knowledge production and narrative power by carefully designing what can be taught, remembered, and imagined.

The creation of these materials goes far beyond textbook editing. It is a deliberate, long-term operation coordinated by state propaganda and ideological departments. The result is a tightly controlled set of narratives and concepts—psychological weapons designed to shape how people think, what they fear, and whom they obey. The regime uses seven core strategies to construct this indoctrination system:

1. Distorting historical facts

History education forms the foundation of a society’s collective understanding. In authoritarian regimes, it is always the first target of manipulation. The crimes of the ruling elite are repackaged as wisdom, resistance is slandered as treason, and brutal crackdowns are whitewashed as righteous victories.

In the Abyssal Kingdom, history is never a record of truth—it is a tool of control. Indoctrination begins with the systematic rewriting of historical textbooks. Any part of the past that might expose injustice, tyranny, or failure is deleted, distorted, or buried beneath patriotic gloss.

Common strategies:

• Erasing massacres, purges, and crackdowns, and replacing them with narratives of “glorious triumphs.” Atrocities are reframed as “necessary sacrifices,” and public suffering is rebranded as “the price of national revival.”
• Deifying dictators as “national heroes,” “wise leaders,” or “saviors of the people,” while concealing their brutality and disastrous decisions.
• Erasing grassroots heroes, dissident voices, and stories of civil resistance. Uprisings are redefined as “riots” or “acts of terrorism.”
• Shifting the blame for famines, internal power struggles, and failed policies onto “hostile foreign forces” or “uncontrollable circumstances.” Any record of independent intellectuals or critical thinkers is wiped from memory.
• Constructing an official “national history” with a single, approved narrative. Independent publications and non-state archives are banned; no alternative version of history is allowed to exist.

Effects:

• Public understanding of their nation and identity is reshaped into a false myth of “suffering–redemption–national greatness.”
• The right to reflect real history is entirely stripped away, and historical lessons are severed from collective memory.
• By controlling historical narratives, the Abyssal State cuts off all access to authentic past experiences, ensuring that the people remain trapped in a fabricated mythology of “glorious prosperity” and the illusion of “historical inevitability.”

2. Pseudoscience and false doctrines

The Abyss Kingdom infuses its education system with widespread pseudoscience and fabricated ideologies—outside the realm of natural science—as tools of thought control. These constructs are designed to reinforce leader worship, myths of national superiority, fatalism, and conspiracy theories targeting supposed enemies.

Common false doctrines include:

• The myth of ethnic superiority
• The dogma of state infallibility
• The narrative of foreign manipulation
• The cult of the supreme leader
• The ideology of collective submission as destiny

These narratives are dressed up as philosophy, political theory, or social science, giving them a veneer of legitimacy while concealing their inherent absurdity.

Effects:

• The public loses any stable criteria for rational judgment and becomes accustomed to living within lies.
• Critical thinking is systematically prevented from ever taking root.

3. Creating fake heroes and false idols

Another core tactic of dark education is the mass production of fake heroes and false role models. These figures replace genuine public role models and are used to create a system of idols for the people to worship and rely on emotionally.

Common strategies:

• Rewriting history to highlight national humiliation and danger, while turning dictators, elite families, and loyal enforcers into “national heroes” and “moral examples.”
• Inventing stories of fearless, loyal “martyrs” who die for the regime. These myths are repeated in textbooks, movies, and public events.
• Erasing real thinkers, critics, and independent voices from history. Only “loyal soldiers” and “defenders of the state” are allowed to exist in the public memory.
• Demonizing enemies and dissidents. Promoting “model citizens” who are celebrated for their loyalty, violence against opponents, and service to authoritarian rule.

Effects:

• People live in a constant state of fear, hatred, and blind obedience.
• Violence and intolerance are seen as virtues.
• Citizens are led to believe that following orders, suppressing conscience, and hating outsiders is heroic. This blocks any path to critical thinking, personal growth, or truth.

4. Glorifying the leader

A key part of blackened education in the Abyss Kingdom is turning the leader into a perfect, untouchable figure.

• Write books that make the leader look like a hero or legend.
• Claim the leader was “born with a sign” or “chosen by destiny.”
• Treat every word the leader says as a rule or great truth.
• Broadcast daily news about the leader’s actions, quotes, and so-called miracles.

Effects:

• People gradually develop blind admiration and emotional dependence on the leader.
• Independent thinking weakens, and critical judgment is replaced by loyalty.

5. Teaching the “correct” values

The Abyss Kingdom’s education system aims to shape one single way of thinking, leaving no room for freedom, diversity, or critical thought. All lessons, textbooks, and media campaigns must promote state-approved values.

Common strategies:

• Define “loyalty to the state,” “obedience to authority,” and “self-sacrifice” as the highest virtues.
• Promote ideas like “the collective comes first,” “the state’s interest always comes before the individual,” and “dissent equals disloyalty.”
• Label concepts like freedom, human rights, democracy, and equality as foreign threats or hostile conspiracies.
• Force students to memorize political slogans, take loyalty pledges, and participate in staged political events.
• Portray curiosity, independent thinking, and critical reflection as dangerous to national stability.

Effects:

Young people grow up without the chance to form independent minds. Instead, they become obedient, passive, and unquestioning—ready to serve the system without resistance and even help enforce it on others.

6. Thought control and the system of forbidden words

In an authoritarian system, the final line of defense in education is strict control over thought. The goal is to completely block any idea, word, or memory that could challenge the regime. This is done through a mix of laws, censorship, and social pressure that gradually shrink the space for public thinking.

How it works:

• A constantly updated blacklist defines which historical events, people, concepts, or political terms are considered “controversial” or “dangerous.”
• Textbooks and classrooms avoid topics like freedom, democracy, human rights, rule of law, or historical trauma, to prevent independent thinking.
• All academic content must go through official approval. Teachers are banned from using unapproved materials, and research topics are tightly controlled.
• A cross-platform censorship system reviews everything from books and films to social media, deleting or punishing anything that does not match the state’s ideology.
• Peer surveillance is encouraged. Students are urged to report teachers or classmates, creating an atmosphere of fear and mistrust.

But the real power of this system lies not in the visible bans—it lies in the fear it creates. People begin to censor themselves. Over time, they no longer even think about the forbidden.

A society where critical thinking disappears, and only two emotions are allowed: obedience, or hatred for the “enemy.”

Education no longer shapes free, responsible individuals. It produces citizens who are either hateful, passive, or blindly loyal—exactly what the Abyss Kingdom needs to maintain its rule.

The construction and conditioning of dark education personnel

To sustain a long-term authoritarian education system like that of the Abyss Kingdom, it is essential to build a teaching force that is fully loyal, carefully shaped, and ideologically aligned with the regime.

In this system, educators are no longer independent thinkers or mentors, but carefully selected and trained to become instruments of ideological transmission. Their role is not to encourage curiosity or critical thinking, but to deliver a specific narrative and suppress alternatives. They serve as amplifiers of official ideology and enforcers of intellectual conformity.

Such educators are not expected to be scholars or guides for growth, but rather function-driven personnel shaped to meet the following criteria:

• Obedient personality: Committed to following authority without question, avoiding personal interpretation or dissent.
• Limited exposure: Educated almost entirely within the regime’s framework, often lacking familiarity with ideas such as democracy, freedom, or universal rights.
• Moral compromise: Taught to prioritize loyalty to the system over concerns about fairness or truth, often turning a blind eye to manipulation or suppression.
• Emotional detachment: Conditioned to remain neutral, or even indifferent, when students experience confusion, fear, or frustration under ideological pressure.
• Surface professionalism: Often appear friendly and dedicated, but use their role to subtly enforce ideological discipline rather than open dialogue.

Selection and conditioning mechanisms

• In order to ensure long-term ideological alignment, authoritarian education systems implement strict screening processes to filter out dissent from the very beginning.
• This often includes background checks designed to exclude individuals from families or environments associated with liberal or critical thinking.

Even after this initial filtering, the system continues to shape educators through ongoing ideological training. The goal is to gradually erode independent thinking and reinforce loyalty to the dominant narrative. This process is often subtle, relying on institutional culture and management practices rather than overt coercion.

Methods of conditioning include:

• Teachers are regularly required to attend “ideological study sessions” or “political education workshops,” where they repeatedly review official doctrines and submit personal reflections, creating a structured process of internalization.
• The workplace often includes mechanisms like anonymous reporting, mandatory “self-criticism” and peer reviews, which undermine mutual trust and strengthen top-down control. Group rituals such as “value-sharing sessions” or “model teacher showcases” help normalize conformity and visible expressions of loyalty.
• For those who still try to maintain independent thought, the system often applies indirect pressure—through marginalization, job reassignment, or public criticism—until they either conform, remain silent, or eventually leave. Over time, the profession becomes a kind of self-selecting environment: the ones who stay are those best adapted to its expectations.

Long-term impact

• This approach leads to a narrowing of thought and the loss of diverse voices in education.
• Teachers are no longer seen as guides who inspire critical thinking, but rather as enforcers of rules and repeaters of official narratives. As a result, the educational environment becomes less creative and less reflective, conditioning students to obey rather than question.
• The authoritative culture reinforced through the control of teachers gradually shapes students’ perception of power. It makes them more likely to accept rigid hierarchies and view authority as something that must not be questioned. In this way, education shifts from being a force for social progress to becoming a tool for maintaining the status quo.

Training professionals in ideological conditioning

In a deep authoritarian system, there often exist secretive institutions—such as political loyalty colleges or ideological training academies—dedicated to producing specialists in cognitive manipulation.

• Mass psychology and communication theory, used to analyze public sentiment and how people absorb information
• Crisis messaging and narrative control, to manage public opinion during emergencies
• Nation branding and leadership image design, which involves creating emotional loyalty and symbolic representations of authority
• Social stratification modeling, including techniques to foster in-group/out-group tensions and mobilize collective hostility

After graduation, these professionals often take on roles such as:

• Working within national-level propaganda, media, or education planning agencies to shape ideological messaging and communication strategies
• Monitoring public opinion and implementing “thought safety” protocols to identify and suppress dissent
• Redesigning public discourse—rewriting history, building political consensus, and weakening critical engagement
• Developing simplified narratives and emotionally charged slogans to increase acceptance and reduce public capacity for complex, independent thinking

Outcomes of indoctrinative education

This kind of education does not raise free-thinking, well-rounded individuals. Instead, it trains people to stop thinking for themselves and become mentally dependent on authority.

Over time, through constant brainwashing and emotional pressure, the system shapes people into four common types. These are not accidents—they are exactly what the system wants, because they help keep the authoritarian system in place.

1. Cognitively limited individuals

Cultivation mechanism:

• From a young age, they are taught only one way to see the world, without exposure to different ideas or cultures.
• Textbooks are full of rewritten history and made-up stories, making it hard to tell what is true or false.
• Political slogans are repeated so much that critical thinking and abstract reasoning never develop.
• Reasoning, debate, and philosophical questions are discouraged. Students are expected to just follow orders and show loyalty, relying on emotions instead of logic.

Results:

People raised this way lose the ability to think for themselves or make their own judgments. When faced with complex issues, they get confused or avoid thinking deeply. They tend to trust authority or mainstream stories without question. Although they can learn and work, they lack critical and independent thinking, making them easy to control and turn into obedient followers.

2. Emotional damage caused by toxic education

Definition: People whose emotions become distorted due to long-term exposure to hate, loyalty brainwashing, and fear control. They struggle to feel empathy or care and may see violence and oppression as normal or even right.

Cultivation mechanism:

• From childhood, they learn to divide the world into “us” and “them,” becoming suspicious or hostile to different views or cultures.
• Violence is framed as “just” or necessary, weakening respect for peace and inclusivity.
• Schools reward loyalty by encouraging political activity or reporting others, pushing conformity and aggression.
• Emotional expression is discouraged, while cold logic is praised, suppressing empathy and warm communication.

Results:

They become numb to others’ pain, participate in hate and violence easily, and form the emotional foundation that keeps an oppressive system stable.

3. loyal mental servants

Definition: People fully accepting the regime’s logic, seeing obedience and loyalty as their highest values, losing independent will and identity, and willing to devote their lives to the system.

Cultivation mechanism:

• Forced political education, loyalty oaths, and collective rituals erase personal identity.
• Role models and idol worship teach that sacrificing for the regime is honorable.
• Free thinking is criticized; ideas like “obedience above all” and “national interest first” are enforced.
• Rewards, promotions, and honors make loyalty seem like the only right path.

Results:

Mentally dependent on authority, they lose independent judgment and only know how to “follow orders.” They lack resistance and often actively support the regime, becoming the regime’s most stable social base.

4. Ideological enforcers

Definition: Citizens shaped by authoritarian education to monitor, report, and suppress dissent. They do not just follow the rules—they actively participate in maintaining ideological control and policing public opinion.

How it happens:

• From a young age, children are taught to report on classmates or teachers.
• Titles like “model of loyalty” or “thought leader” reward those who report others, turning surveillance into a form of achievement.
• Education sharpens suspicion toward alternative views, teaching people to treat dissent as a threat.
• Constant warnings about “hostile forces” and “social instability” instill fear and normalize mutual surveillance.

Results:

These individuals become the regime’s eyes and ears within society. By monitoring others and reporting any nonconforming opinions, they create an atmosphere of fear and self-censorship—strengthening authoritarian control from the ground up.

Core traits of the cognitively limited

Those shaped by blackened education may appear educated and capable in daily life—they can drive, use smartphones, shop online, even pass political exams. But their thinking is deeply distorted, shaped by years of mental conditioning:

• They lack a full understanding of history, often absorbing edited or simplified versions. This makes it hard for them to tell truth from fiction. As a result, they tend to glorify national leaders and overlook systemic flaws or mistakes.

• Their ability to think critically is weak. They struggle with cause-and-effect reasoning and rely heavily on official narratives to make sense of the world. Alternative viewpoints feel threatening or confusing.

• Personal and social issues are often blamed on vague “enemy forces.” They show little tolerance for dissent or diversity of thought, and can be hostile toward those who question the status quo.

• A strong sense of fatalism runs through their worldview. They believe personal destiny should serve the interests of the state and tend to accept injustice or oppression as inevitable.

• Their way of speaking is limited—they tend to repeat official slogans and lack original thought or personal voice.

Eventually:

They function well in a technical sense, but they are unable—or unwilling—to grasp the deeper realities of power, society, or human dignity. For an authoritarian regime, they represent the ideal subject: obedient, unquestioning, and intellectually domesticated.

The social function of mental slaves

In an authoritarian society, some people go beyond simply obeying. They become loyal followers—those who truly believe in the system, defend it without question, and even help spread its control over others.

What they do:

• Watch and report: They report anyone around them—friends, coworkers, neighbors—who they think has “wrong” ideas.
• Attack online: They spread lies, attack people with different opinions, and try to silence voices that speak of freedom or truth.
• Repeat the system: At school, work, or home, they pass on the same ideas they were taught, discouraging new thinking in the next generation.
• Join by choice: They take part in political rituals, repeat slogans, and proudly serve the system, convinced that the leader is always right.

Their features:

• They fear the truth and dislike freedom.
• Their words sound empty, like they are repeating a script.
• They are polite to the powerful, but cruel to those with no power.

They enjoy helping the system punish people who speak out.

The most dangerous part of this kind of education is that it does not stop people from learning completely. Instead, it teaches them only what the system wants—how to pass tests, do technical work, or follow orders—while keeping them away from ideas like fairness, justice, or free thinking.

Long-term impact

• Over time, people’s minds are locked inside the narrow “acceptable zone” of thought defined by the regime. Any ideas beyond that trigger fear, anger, or rejection.
• They become obedient tools within the system—enforcers of everyday violence, online trolls, and spreaders of hate.
• When an entire population suffers from this kind of cognitive damage, the society falls into a cycle of ignorance and repression—making authoritarian rule seem natural and permanent.

This is the most cunning success of authoritarian education: it trains people to never use their brains.

How authoritarian education operates

Authoritarian education keeps the public in a state of cognitive dissonance, reinforcing what is known as doublethink—the ability to believe two contradictory ideas at the same time without feeling any inner conflict. The system achieves this through the following tactics:

• 1. Imposing logical contradictions:People are taught to accept two conflicting ideas as if they are perfectly compatible. For example, citizens are told that “freedom must be restricted,” while also being made to believe that “the ruler holds supreme wisdom and authority.” These opposing messages are presented as truth, and questioning them is discouraged.
• 2. Applying social pressure: Through group psychology, collective pressure is used to reinforce so-called “social consensus.” Anyone who expresses a different view is publicly shamed or excluded, pushing individuals to conform—often against their own reasoning. Over time, they internalize the regime’s warped logic as reality.

Outcome: People become mentally trapped, accepting contradictions as normal. They lose the ability to think critically or independently, and gradually turn into instruments of the regime’s cognitive control.

At the same time, authoritarian education relies on cognitive violence to force people into obedience—often without them even realizing it—eventually enslaving their minds. This is achieved through several key methods:

• Psychological intimidation and terror tactics: By instilling fear—such as the idea that “any resistance could cost your life”—people are pushed into constant self-censorship. The widespread fear keeps everyone silent and compliant.
• Thought control and behavioral correction: Mandatory activities like “thought reports,” ideological inspections, and compulsory political education force individuals to constantly examine and criticize their own minds for “dangerous thoughts.” Over time, this leads to emotional exhaustion and internalized fear, where people begin to police themselves.
• Self-monitoring and mental isolation: Education implants fear and self-doubt so deeply that people stop thinking independently. They surrender to the official narrative and allow it to shape every aspect of their thoughts and behavior—becoming, essentially, slaves of the system.

Outcome: This kind of cognitive violence creates a society filled with fear and repression. Through psychological manipulation, the regime builds a population that is deeply obedient—yet rarely even aware of how deeply they have been controlled.

The global expansion of authoritarian education

Authoritarian education is not just a domestic phenomenon confined to a single nation—it has the potential to expand and take root globally. Its methods can be exported, infiltrating the political, cultural, and educational systems of other countries.

As globalization accelerates, authoritarian regimes may extend their control over education beyond their own borders, using various channels to influence public opinion and shape how people think. This marks the beginning of a broader push toward cognitive dominance on a global scale.

1. Expansion mechanisms

The spread of dark education relies on several key strategies:

• Exporting ideology: Authoritarian states promote their educational models abroad through political and economic aid, as well as cultural exchange. In many cases, developing countries that receive financial support are also expected to adopt educational systems that diverge from their own cultural values. This paves the way for authoritarian ideologies to take root globally.
• Cultural industry infiltration: Through films, television shows, and online content, authoritarian regimes embed their values into cultural products consumed worldwide. These ideas quietly enter everyday life, subtly shaping how people in other countries think and view the world—without them even realizing it.
• Use of international organizations and political alliances: Authoritarian governments seek influence within institutions like the United Nations, forging alliances and pushing for international acceptance of their political education models. In doing so, they attempt to shape global education standards to reflect their own ideological framework.

The result: The global education landscape faces increasing pressure from cognitive manipulation driven by authoritarian forces. Traditional values of liberal education—such as critical thinking, diversity, and individual freedom—risk being pushed to the margins, challenged by a rising tide of centralized control and thought conformity.

2. The rise of global cognitive hegemony

Through the expansion of dark education models, authoritarian regimes are not only consolidating ideological control within their own borders—they are also working toward establishing a global cognitive hegemony. This trend manifests in several key ways:

• Shaping a global cognitive framework: By delievering culture, influencing international media, and interfering with educational systems abroad, authoritarian states are constructing a global narrative where their model of governance becomes the benchmark. In this framework, values like freedom, equality, and democracy are pushed to the margins, replaced by notions of “national loyalty” and “leader worship” promoted by these regimes.
• Control over global information and education: As authoritarian powers gain influence over the infrastructure of the global internet and collaborate with multinational corporations and international media outlets, they are increasingly able to shape the global flow of information. This enables them to spread ideologically aligned narratives while suppressing dissenting voices, gradually creating a unified worldview centered around authoritarian values.
• The politicization of educational standards: Global educational norms and practices may come under the sway of authoritarian influence. Academic journals, international education conferences, and curriculum development initiatives risk being steered by political agendas, embedding authoritarian logic into the very fabric of global education discourse.

The consequences: Freedom of thought and intellectual innovation may face widespread suppression. As cognitive hegemony takes hold, political, cultural, and philosophical diversity across nations will diminish—leaving the global community increasingly dependent on, and aligned with, authoritarian worldviews.

3. Cultural homogenization and the erosion of indigenous identity

As this dark education models expand globally, the diversity of local cultures and traditional values faces an existential threat. The spread of authoritarian educational frameworks contributes to:

• Accelerated cultural homogenization: By controlling the cultural industries, education systems, and information channels, authoritarian regimes aggressively promote a singular set of values—erasing differences and imposing conformity.
• Loss of cultural and intellectual autonomy: Under the weight of this globalized pressure, people around the world are losing the ability to freely choose their own cultural identities and ways of thinking. Instead, they are pushed into adopting a one-size-fits-all worldview that leaves little room for individuality or authentic self-expression.
• Disappearance of traditional cultures: Authoritarian education, by its very nature, is coercive and repressive. It destroys the soil in which local traditions and free thought once thrived. As creative thinking and resistance are gradually eliminated, cultural diversity is reduced to a distant memory.

The consequence: The world risks entering an era of cultural barrenness, where unique traditions and diverse philosophies fade away. In their place emerges a single, authoritarian global culture—uniform, unchallenged, and unfree.

4. The global rise of dark education alongside social control

The spread of dark education is closely tied to the expansion of global social control systems. With advances in technology, authoritarian regimes can now exercise remote control over societies worldwide through several key means:

• Social media and information monitoring: The widespread use of the internet allows authoritarian states to track and control speech and behavior globally in real time via social media platforms, search engines, and data surveillance tools.
• Transnational political and economic alliances: By forming cross-border alliances and leveraging economic aid and technological partnerships, authoritarian countries tighten their grip on other nations’ education systems, forcing the adoption of their dark education models.
• Global digital cultural education: Using AI, big data, virtual reality, and other cutting-edge technologies, authoritarian regimes are building a worldwide virtual education network. This system delivers tailored dark education content designed to manipulate and brainwash populations over the long term.

Consequences: Unnoticed by most, the world is slipping into an era of all-encompassing cognitive control. People everywhere face constant surveillance and ideological manipulation. Authoritarian influence will become unavoidable, shrinking the freedom of thought across the global intellectual landscape.

Hope and challenges for the future

As the dark education model continues to spread across the globe, movements of resistance gradually emerge, engaging in a worldwide struggle for free thought and liberating education. Despite the seemingly overwhelming power and reach of dark education, history has shown that the forces that suppress thought and learning are ultimately shortsighted—and never invincible.

Resisting dark education is not only a historic mission. It is also a responsibility shared by every generation—to defend freedom, pursue truth, and safeguard the spirit of innovation.

1. The rise of resistance: rebuilding global thought and education

Despite the global wave of authoritarian, dark education, more and more thinkers, educators, and ordinary people are rising up to speak out and resist this ideological oppression. This growing resistance is rooted in a deep commitment to human freedom and individual dignity, and it is driven by several core principles:

• The return of free thought: the resistance calls for the revival of open, unrestricted thinking. A truly free educational system must break away from authoritarian constraints and create a space that welcomes open inquiry, critical thinking, and creative exploration.
• Diversity and inclusion in education: opponents of dark education advocate for diverse and inclusive educational systems that respect different cultures, values, and ways of understanding the world. Real education should cultivate independent, critically minded citizens—not uniform thinkers trained for obedience.
• Social engagement and awakening: this movement emphasizes the importance of civic participation. Through social activism, digital platforms, and cultural exchange, it seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of authoritarian education. The goal is to awaken individuals and communities alike to rethink the true purpose of education—and to reject systems that erode human dignity and intellectual freedom.

The rise of this resistance is not just a direct challenge to dark education; it also offers hope for a renewed global vision of education. Through shared ideas and collective action, the grip of authoritarian education may slowly loosen, and a new dawn of liberated learning may begin to emerge.

2. Breaking the grip of authoritarian education

To effectively dismantle the grip of authoritarian education, reformers must pursue a comprehensive transformation of the educational system across multiple levels. Key strategies include:

• Redefining the purpose of education: education must shift its purpose from obedience to empowerment. It should foster independent thinking, curiosity, and the courage to question.
• Embracing diversity in education: one-size-fits-all education models often serve political interests. To counter that, we need diverse, inclusive learning systems that reflect the complexity of our world. Multicultural education, interdisciplinary learning, and a global outlook can help students develop nuanced perspectives, encouraging them to think for themselves rather than inherit narrow ideologies.
• Empowering teachers as change-makers: teachers are not just deliverers of content—they are shapers of culture and consciousness. Reform depends on a new generation of educators who are deeply aware of their role in society. These teachers must be equipped—and encouraged—to champion intellectual freedom, ethical integrity, and the lifelong pursuit of truth.
• Using technology to open new doors: digital tools offer powerful alternatives to centralized, controlled education systems. From online courses and open-source platforms to global learning communities, technology can unlock access to diverse knowledge and break through ideological walls. Used wisely, it allows people everywhere to learn on their own terms.

Successful education reform can gradually reverse the damage done by authoritarian models, paving the way for a more open, diverse, and innovative learning environment. The true purpose of education is no longer to produce obedience and conformity, but to cultivate citizens who think freely, act responsibly, and question the world around them.

Conclusion: the dead end of civilization and the eternal night in the abyssal state

What allows authoritarian regimes to sustain themselves over time is not just control over weapons, resources, or institutions—it is their total control over knowledge and how people think. The system of “darkened education” lies at the heart of this control. It is not merely an educational method, but a comprehensive framework for shaping minds. It spreads through classrooms, textbooks, media, the internet, political rituals, public opinion, and even private conversations, forming an all-encompassing network of cognitive control.

In such a society, knowledge is no longer used to understand the world or seek truth. Instead, it becomes a tool for producing mental dependence and spiritual submission. History is rewritten, heroes are fabricated, values are engineered, hatred is standardized, and independent thinking is shut down. Entire generations grow up under this system—from innocent ignorance, to willing acceptance, to actively defending the system—until they become part of the machinery of oppression, like twisted flowers blooming on the ruins of a lost civilization.

In a truly humane and civilized society, education should awaken reason, pursue truth, and uphold dignity and free will. But in the abyssal state, education is used to numb the mind, train obedience, and breed hatred. When a nation is shaped by such education for three generations or more, the chance of awakening fades away. What remains is a population trapped in spiritual slavery and collective ignorance—a stain on the progress of civilization, destined to be crushed by the force of history and left behind by the times.

The way people perceive the world shapes their growth and life path, especially when they encounter difficulties, failures, and challenges. Different mindsets lead to distinct outcomes.

No matter where you start or how talented you are, having a growth mindset keeps you moving forward and unlocking new opportunities. But a fixed mindset? That’s a roadblock—it holds you back and stunts both personal and societal progress. It’s time to let it go.

I. What is a growth mindset?

A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and perseverance. People with this mindset embrace challenges, see failure as an opportunity to grow, and constantly push themselves to improve.

Not only that, but people with a growth mindset tend to be more open, inclusive, and naturally inclined toward trust and collaboration. But why so?

At its core, a growth mindset is rooted in mutual care and openness. True growth requires inclusivity, diverse perspectives, and an understanding of others—all of which stem from a foundation of love and connection.

When people care for each other, they create an environment where ideas flow freely. In this space, mistakes aren’t seen as failures but as opportunities to learn, and individuals are more willing to take risks and try new things. Mutual care encourages respect for differing opinions, a willingness to listen, and a mindset of continuous learning—all of which are at the heart of a growth mindset.

Realistic optimism is also a crucial element of a growth mindset. It is about staying positive while having an honest perspective on reality, avoiding the trap of overestimating your abilities. When you find that balance, you are more likely to approach challenges with effort, strategy, focus, and persistence—emerging stronger and more resilient along the way.

II. A growth mindset VS a fixed mindset

People with a fixed mindset believe that intelligence and abilities are limited and can’t be significantly improved through effort. When faced with challenges, they often feel frustrated, thinking they’re “not capable” or “stupid,” which leads them to shy away from or give up on the task at hand.

They fear failure, avoid taking risks, and resist feedback. They tend to see failure as proof of their own inadequacy, rather than an opportunity for growth.

A fixed mindset is essentially driven by fear and arrogance. People are afraid of failures for they believe that failures reveal their weakness. So instead of trying new things and accepting challenges, they choose to stay in the comfort zone.

Arrogance leads people to think they are naturally better than others, so they resist admitting mistakes or learning anything new. If someone is convinced they are already ahead, they see no reason to change—because change would mean questioning themselves and possibly proving their past beliefs wrong.

The combination of fear and arrogance keeps people stuck. Some fear being proven wrong, so they resist new ideas. Others have inflated egos and refuse to accept criticism or acknowledge the need for growth. Over time, this mindset not only deprives individuals of opportunities for progress, but also hinders their long-term development in both society and their careers.

The differences between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset:

• A growth mindset is open and adaptable, while a fixed mindset is closed off and resistant to change.
• A growth mindset stems from love, whereas a fixed mindset often arises from a lack of self-acceptance and appreciation for others.
• Those with a growth mindset learn and improve through all kinds of feedback, while those with a fixed mindset only accept positive feedback, making it difficult for them to grow.

III. Why is a growth mindset so important?

A growth mindset has a profound impact on learning, career success, and mental well-being.

Psychologist Carol Dweck’s research shows that students with a growth mindset are more willing to take on challenges, demonstrate greater resilience in the face of difficulties, and ultimately achieve better academic results. Neuroscience further supports this idea, proving that the brain is highly adaptable—intelligence and skills can continue to develop over time.

Beyond education, a growth mindset also strengthens adaptability and resilience. In a constantly changing world, those who embrace challenges and see setbacks as learning opportunities are better equipped to navigate uncertainty.

Moreover, a growth mindset can help reduce anxiety and depression by shifting the focus away from self-labeling as a “failure” and toward learning and growth from setbacks.

This mindset isn’t just about individuals—it also applies to the development of communities and societies. The more closed-off a place is, the more likely its people are to have fixed, outdated ways of thinking. In contrast, big cities thrive on diversity and openness, where the exchange of ideas and the blending of different perspectives drive progress and vitality.

How to develop a growth mindset?

Few people are born with a growth mindset—it is largely shaped by environment and self-reflection. This means that anyone can develop it.

So where do we begin?

It starts with becoming aware of our own thinking patterns:

• When facing challenges or failures, pay attention to your initial reaction: Do you immediately think you’re not capable and that this isn’t for you? Or do you believe you can improve through effort?
• When receiving criticism—whether it’s valid or not—observe your inner response and behavioral choices: Do you feel defensive or frustrated right away? Or do you see it as an opportunity to learn and grow?
• In a team setting, when someone suggests a new idea, do you resist it simply because it’s unfamiliar? Or do you approach it with an open mind and consider its potential?
• When you hear about someone else’s success, do you feel threatened? Or do you find inspiration and motivation from their achievements?

If you found yourself choosing the first option in the questions above, it is likely that you are deeply influenced by a fixed mindset.

The good news is, through awareness and practice, you can gradually break free from these mental limitations and proactively adjust and redirect your mindset.

By becoming aware of your thinking patterns, you will soon realize that you have the power to make better choices. Reflecting on the past becomes the fuel for continuous growth.

This takes time and consistent effort. Above all, it is crucial for everyone to tap into the love within themselves, allowing positivity and passion to fuel their growth and success, both personally and professionally.

As an educator, how can you cultivate a growth mindset in students?

The language teachers use and the way they praise their students can have a subtle but powerful impact on their thinking and emotional development. To this day, I still hear misguided guidance that hurts a child’s cognitive growth and emotional well-being, yet many teachers are unaware of the effect their words have.

Here are some teaching strategies to foster a growth mindset in students:

• Praise students for their effort, not their intelligence. Instead of saying things like “You’re so smart” or “You’re great at math,” focus on applauding their persistence, curiosity, and determination.

• Encourage students to take on challenging tasks, framing these challenges as exciting opportunities rather than boring chores. For example, one parent I know, while helping her child with a vocabulary memorization plan, maintains a light and positive tone. She talks about the achievements of learning new words and makes the process more enjoyable for the child.

• Guide students to view mistakes as part of the learning process, not as a sign of failure. Many teachers react emotionally to students’ errors, which is understandable, but this can make students fear failure. The right approach is to reassure students that mistakes don’t reflect a lack of ability or intelligence. On the contrary, mistakes are valuable learning opportunities.
• It’s essential to clearly introduce the concept of a growth mindset to students, helping them realize that intelligence isn’t fixed—it can grow through effort and learning. This is like planting a seed of positivity and resilience in their hearts, setting them up for future success.
• Emphasize that learning is a dynamic, ongoing process of growth, not a fixed outcome. Encourage students to track their progress and make adjustments based on feedback.
• Teach students how to bounce back from failure by encouraging them to reflect on their mistakes, ask themselves questions, and learn from the experience—rather than getting stuck in the negative emotions that come with it.

Cultivating a growth mindset is a long-term process. The principles of a growth mindset should be woven into all subjects and lessons, encouraging positive self-talk and effort-based praise at every level.

By fostering a growth mindset, people can break through barriers in learning, careers, and life, leading to richer and more rewarding experiences. Embracing love, openness, a willingness to take risks, and a dedication to lifelong learning unlocks our true potential, setting the stage for a brighter, more expansive future.

At its core, quality education covers everything from individual growth to the progress of society as a whole. Its goal is to improve individual well-being while helping society evolve in a positive direction. As a result, the categories of quality education are more varied and based on different aspects of personal and social development.

This article will explore quality education from several different angles, offering a clearer understanding of its broad scope.

I. Classification based on the relationship between self and the world

A person’s growth is shaped not only by their natural talents and intelligence but also by the social surroundings. By looking at education through the lens of the “relationship between self and the world,” we can better define its goals and pathways. This approach helps individuals find their place in society, reach their full potential, and pursue higher spiritual and intellectual achievements.

1. Individual Life Education

Individual life education focuses on self-fulfillment and the management of one’s personal life. It addresses how individuals can achieve success in their careers and enrich their personal lives, ultimately realizing their self-worth and happiness.

Core Elements:

• Career Skills Education: Training in professional skills such as programming, design, marketing, and more.
• Survival Skills Education: Teaching essential life skills like household chores, financial management, self-defense, and personal safety.
• Mind-Body Integration: Learning about nutrition, exercise science, and overall physical and mental health management.
• Emotional and Social Awareness: Building interpersonal skills, emotional regulation, and shaping personal values.
• Career Planning and Development

The goal of individual life education is to help individuals develop the necessary skills to improve their quality of life, enhance happiness, and increase their chances of self-fulfillment.

2. Social Citizenship Education

This category of education focuses on an individual’s understanding of social citizenship within a capitalist society. Social citizens need to comprehend the various social systems, collective ideologies, and the level of social civilization that shape human life.

The goal of social citizenship education is to cultivate a sense of responsibility toward society, enabling individuals to become active citizens who work to improve their social environment. Key areas of focus include developing awareness and skills in democratic decision-making, democratic participation, and the management of public affairs.

Core Elements:

• Knowledge of the law, social ethics, political systems, the history of social civilization, and the development of democracy
• Public affairs management, environmental responsibility, and social welfare
• Citizen participation skills, such as political oversight, voting, social movements, and volunteer service
• Democratic decision-making skills, such as critical thinking, information gathering and analysis, active listening and negotiation, policy evaluation, and feedback

Through social citizenship education, individuals can understand how society operates and the values that underpin it. They will also recognize the importance of political participation and collective action, while fostering a sense of equality and a spirit of cooperation.

3. Self-Transcendence Education

Self-transcendence education focuses on the enhancement of an individual’s thoughts and spirit. Its goal is to help individuals transcend the limitations of materialism and the immediate realities of life, and seek higher levels of spiritual growth and a deeper sense of life’s meaning.

Core Elements:

• Philosophical thinking, moral ethics, cultural exploration, and religious beliefs
• Spiritual practice and the cultivation of innovative thinking
• Spiritual growth and self-awareness

Self-transcendence education helps individuals develop higher levels of inner strength and life wisdom through the exploration of thought, culture, and spirituality.

4. Social Role Education

Social role education focuses on an individual’s responsibilities and adaptation within different social roles. Its goal is to help individuals effectively fulfill their roles in the family, workplace, and social organizations.

Core Elements:

• Family Role Education: Understanding how to assume responsibilities within the family, such as being a parent or spouse.
• Social Interaction, Team Collaboration, and Leadership
• Adaptation Skills for Social Organizations: Learning to understand and integrate into the culture and values of social organizations, adhering to ethical standards, and acquiring skills in effective communication, conflict management, internal organizational processes, and how to contribute meaningfully within the organization.

Social role education helps individuals balance multiple social roles. It will greatly enhance people’s ability to adapt socially and help fostering a sense of belonging to family, community and society.

5. Ecology and Cosmos Education

Ecology and cosmos education focuses on an individual’s understanding of nature and the universe, cultivating a global perspective and an awareness of sustainable development. It aims to promote harmonious coexistence between humanity, nature, and the cosmos.

Core Elements:

• Environmental protection, climate change, and resource management
• Sustainable lifestyles, green technologies, and ecological ethics
• Cosmology, the future of humanity, and the exploration of interstellar civilizations

Ecology and cosmos education helps individuals comprehend the ecological systems of Earth and the universe, fosters a sense of global responsibility, and promotes sustainable development.

II. Classification based on the goals of human civilization

By deeply considering the purpose of education and its role in the progress of civilization, we can propose a more comprehensive and forward-looking classification method. While this approach is not yet mainstream, it represents a new concept aimed at serving humanity’s future and the advancement of civilization through education.

1. Basic Civilization Education

The purpose of basic civilization education is to impart and strengthen core social values, moral norms, cultural traditions, and an understanding of public responsibility. It aims to ensure that individuals become responsible citizens who understand the fundamental rules and values of society. This type of education is essential for maintaining social stability and ensuring the continuity of core societal principles.

Core Content:

• Moral and Ethical Education: Teaching universal values such as honesty, fairness, and respect, with the goal of cultivating students’ moral judgment and ethical responsibility.
• Law and Social Norms: Helping students understand the importance of laws and social norms, fostering respect for legal and societal order.
• Cultural and Historical Heritage: By learning about their own cultural and historical backgrounds, students gain an understanding of their role in preserving and advancing cultural values.
• Basic Civic Education: Teaching students their responsibilities as citizens, with a focus on cultivating awareness of their participation in social, community, and governmental activities. This education emphasizes involvement in issues such as social justice and environmental protection, and helps students develop a global citizenship mindset.
• Fundamental General Education: Including basic knowledge in areas such as common sense, subject knowledge, basic office skills, and AI literacy, with the aim of providing students with essential abilities needed for daily life and the workplace. These skills include basic language and mathematics knowledge, data processing skills, and a basic understanding of modern technologies (such as AI tools) and office software.

The ultimate goal of basic civilizational education is to ensure that future citizens understand the fundamental structure of society, become individuals with a strong sense of ethical responsibility, and actively engage in the maintenance and improvement of social order.

2. Education for Future Civilization

Education for future civilization focuses on a rapidly changing world, where technological advancements, globalization, and ecological challenges are reshaping our ways of life. This type of education not only prepares individuals to cope with change but also seeks to drive social and global progress through innovation, critical thinking, and a strong sense of social and environmental responsibility.

Core Content:

• Innovation and Technology Education: With the rise of technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data, it has become crucial to cultivate students’ innovative capabilities and their ability to adapt to new technologies. Future education should prepare students for job roles that have yet to emerge.
• Sustainable Development Education: As environmental issues like climate change become more pressing, education for future civilization focuses on cultivating students’ awareness of sustainable development, teaching them how to manage resources effectively and protect the Earth’s environment.
• Social Citizenship Education: Social citizenship education extends beyond traditional civic participation education, encompassing the empowerment of citizens by social organizations, collaboration across different societal organizations, and the understanding and mutual flourishing of diverse organizational cultures. It encourages students to take a leading role in driving social change.
• Ethical Issues in Future Societies: Education must also address the ethical challenges posed by new technologies, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence ethics, biotechnology, and data privacy. Students should be equipped with the skills to tackle these moral dilemmas.

III. Classification based on learning content

1. Knowledge Education

Knowledge education is the core of the traditional education system, aiming to teach systematic subject knowledge and help students understand the fundamental laws of the world.

Core Content: Basic subject knowledge in areas such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, history, and geography, as well as more advanced academic fields like modern science and humanities and social sciences.

Goal: To cultivate rational thinking, logical analysis skills, and problem-solving abilities, enabling students to acquire a solid theoretical foundation for understanding and exploring the world.

Characteristics: Focuses on theoretical learning, emphasizing memorization, comprehension, and application.

Importance: As the foundation for understanding the world, knowledge education lays the groundwork for individual professional development and societal progress.

2. Skills Education

Skills education focuses on cultivating students’ ability to apply knowledge in practice, enabling them to meet the demands of society and the workforce.

Core Content:

• Professional Skills: Such as programming, mechanical operations, medical practice, etc.
• General Skills: Such as communication skills, critical thinking, teamwork, etc.
• Modern Skills: Such as applications of artificial intelligence, data analysis, cybersecurity, etc.

Goal: To help students acquire practical abilities, enabling them to live independently, participate in work, and create value in society.

Characteristics: Emphasizes practice and application, typically involving learning methods such as experiments, internships, and vocational training.

Importance: Establishes a bridge between knowledge and practical application, allowing individuals to establish themselves in society through skills and contribute to the development of technology and industries.

3. Cultural Education

Cultural education aims to cultivate individuals’ cultural literacy, value systems, and social identity. It enables people to understand and pass on cultural heritage.

Core Content:

• Language and Literature: Such as native language, foreign languages, literary works, and art appreciation.
• History and Philosophy: Such as national history, philosophical thought, and religious beliefs.
• Social Customs and Ethics: Such as family culture, moral norms, and social practices.

Goal: To help students understand the backgrounds, value systems, and expressions of different cultures, fostering cultural identity and equipping them with cross-cultural communication skills.

Characteristics: Focuses on the humanities, emphasizing comprehension and critical thinking, while nurturing individuals’ aesthetic, emotional, and moral judgment.

Importance: Cultural education shapes individuals’ spiritual world, allowing them to find a sense of belonging in a diverse society and promoting cultural exchange and understanding.

4. Civilization Education

Quality civilization education goes beyond individual, national, and social cultural identities, focusing on how individuals take responsibility at the social, national, and even global levels and drive social progress.

Core Content:

• Social Citizenship Education: Such as democratic systems, legal knowledge, social responsibility, the values of life happiness, and trends for action.
• Global Governance and Sustainable Positive Development: Such as environmental protection, international cooperation, and awareness of human rights.
• Technological Innovation and Ethical Principles: Including topics like artificial intelligence ethics, biotechnology ethics, and the health framework for future societies.

Goal: To cultivate responsible citizens who can play an active role in promoting goodness in society and contribute to the long-term progress of human civilization.

Characteristics: Guided by a focus on social happiness and global leadership awareness, this education emphasizes the cultivation of civic literacy, social innovation capabilities, and long-term sustainable positive thinking.

Importance: Civilization education broadens and deepens individuals’ social and global perspectives, enabling them not only to adapt to society but also to drive social change, fostering global cooperation, progress, and integration for all of humanity.

5. Socio-Economic Education

Socio-economic education primarily focuses on how individuals understand and participate in social and economic systems, preparing citizens to contribute to the creation of a shared, prosperous economic framework.

Core Content:

• Economic principles, social operating mechanisms, the fundamentals of market economies
• Distribution of social resources, the social significance of labor and production
• Social fairness and welfare production

Goal: To equip individuals with the ability to understand the operation of socio-economic systems, recognize their roles within the economic society, raise awareness of issues like resource distribution, public policy, and social security, and understand the importance of social equity, economic justice, and resource sustainability.

Characteristics: This education not only focuses on personal wealth accumulation but also emphasizes social responsibility and collective well-being.

Importance: Through socio-economic education, individuals can better understand the interrelationships between politics, economics, and social policies. It raises them to make more informed personal and societal choices and to promote a more equitable and sustainable economic system.

6. Financial Practice Education

Financial practice education equips students with the practical skills necessary for effective financial management, investment decisions, risk mitigation, and understanding of the financial markets.

Core Content:

• Budgeting and expenditure management, financial planning, stock market investments, real estate, credit card management, debt control, tax knowledge, personal retirement planning, and more.

Objective: The goal is to cultivate financial literacy and hands-on expertise, enabling students to develop comprehensive financial plans, assess investment opportunities, and effectively manage wealth accumulation.

Characteristics: Focused on practical application, this education prioritizes problem-solving, while also emphasizing the development of ethical judgment and social responsibility in financial decision-making.

Importance: By enhancing personal financial management skills and promoting sound financial ethics, this education fosters individual wealth growth and supports the broader economic stability and development of society.

7. Social Organization Participation Education

Social organization participation education emphasizes the role of citizens as active members of society, changing class-based thinking and hierarchical mindsets. It encourages students to better understand the overall functioning of society and motivates them to drive progress through collective action and collaboration.

Core Content:

• Knowledge of social organization operations, fostering equality awareness, collective action, cooperation, and advocacy skills.

Objective: To help students understand how social organizations function and contribute to society, and cultivate empathy for the well-being of others and promoting broader social cooperation and progress.

Characteristics: This education emphasizes cross-sector collaboration between social organizations, allowing students to experience multiple social roles through teamwork in various organizational settings.

Importance: It strengthens civic responsibility, enhances social cohesion, builds a diverse skill set, and promotes social justice.

IV. Classification based on cognitive and social needs

The goal of quality education is to cultivate well-rounded social citizens who are equipped with the ability and skills to thrive in the future society. From the perspective of aligning cognitive processes with societal needs, education can be divided into eight core areas to help individuals achieve balanced development across different dimensions.

1. Logical and Systems Education

Core Content: Mathematics, logical reasoning, programming, systems thinking, scientific methodology.

Educational Approach: Through problem analysis, model construction, and data processing, this education fosters rigorous thinking skills. It will enable individuals to precisely understand the mechanisms that drive the world and effectively solve complex problems.

Goal: To develop critical thinking, enhance self-learning abilities, and help individuals to independently build knowledge systems and make rational decisions.

2. Organization and Management Education

Core Content: Economics, engineering, management, law, public policy, decision science.

Educational Approach: Focuses on project-based practice, task management, and case studies, helping learners master skills in efficient decision-making, resource allocation, and organizational operations.

Goal: To cultivate execution skills and real-world problem-solving abilities, supporting individuals to develop leadership and systemic thinking, and play effective roles as managers or executors in society.

3. Strategic and Future Thinking Education

Core Content: Philosophy, history, social theory, psychology, strategic planning.

Educational Approach: Through deep reflection, trend analysis, and theory building, this approach guides individuals to understand the long-term evolution of civilization and predict the future direction of society.

Goal: To cultivate insight, long-term planning skills, and critical thinking, enabling individuals to make far-reaching decisions in complex environments and drive societal progress.

4. Innovation and Interdisciplinary Education

Core Content: Creative writing, technological innovation, entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary research, art and design.

Educational Approach: Through brainstorming, experimental exploration, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, this approach stimulates individual creativity and helps them to discover new possibilities and drive societal innovation.

Goal: To cultivate open-minded thinking and adaptability, empower individuals to constantly challenge conventions, and advance the development of technology, culture, and business.

5. Traditional Knowledge and Experience Education

Core Content: History, archaeology, classical literature, craftsmanship, cultural heritage.

Educational Approach: Through in-depth research, storytelling, hands-on practice, and historical case analysis, this approach helps individuals acquire the accumulated knowledge of human society, ensuring the continuation and development of cultural traditions.

Goal: To foster an understanding and respect for traditional knowledge, and enable individuals to maintain historical awareness in modern society and draw wisdom from past experiences.

6. Practical and Skills Education

Core Content: Sports, dance, cooking, travel, vocational training, military training.

Educational Approach: Through hands-on practice, field experiences, and internships, this approach helps learners acquire practical skills and gain real-world experience.

Goal: To develop the ability to quickly adapt to real-life environments, and equip individuals with the flexibility and action-oriented mindset needed to address challenges effectively.

7. Humanities and Emotional Education

Core Content: Literature, psychology, ethics, sociology, personal development courses, emotional management.

Educational Approach: Through reading, writing, meditation, and artistic creation, individuals are guided to explore their inner world, understand their emotions, and develop a stable and mature set of values.

Goal: To deepen emotional intelligence and moral awareness, enable individuals to uphold integrity and empathy in complex social environments, and foster a richer, more meaningful spiritual life.

8. Social and Civic Education

Core Content: Social organizations and civic participation, social responsibility, political and democratic practices, collaboration and collective well-being, education on civilizational values.

Educational Approach: Through group interactions, social simulations, and participation in public affairs, individuals are encouraged to enhance their sense of social responsibility and political engagement, helping them understand their role in society and empowering them to drive social progress.

Goal: To foster a sense of identification with the public good, and help individuals understand the relationship between collective well-being and personal happiness, and the role of values within social systems. It aims to equip individuals with the ability to participate in public affairs, coordinate cooperation in social groups, promote societal prosperity, and become responsible, engaged citizens.

V. Education based on time span

Education is not only the process of acquiring knowledge but also a systematic path of growth that helps individuals become happy and successful citizens of society. A successful social citizen should not only possess social responsibility and professional skills but also the ability to achieve happiness—meaning the capacity to realize self-worth, maintain mental health, and establish positive interactions with society at various stages of life.

1. Lifelong education: continuous growth and shaping a fulfilling life

Lifelong education is an educational framework that spans an individual’s entire life, helping them adapt to societal developments while ensuring personal fulfillment. It not only focuses on the acquisition of knowledge and skills but also emphasizes how individuals can achieve a balance between societal contribution and personal happiness at different life stages.

Core Objectives of Lifelong Education

• Personal Growth and Social Contribution in Collective Well-being: Lifelong education supports individuals in continuously refining their knowledge and abilities, while maintaining a sense of inner growth and happiness.
• Psychological Resilience and Well-being: Through emotional management, life planning, and the cultivation of purpose, individuals are equipped to remain resilient and joyful when faced with challenges.
• Self-Actualization and Social Impact: Lifelong education guides individuals to realize their potential and create a positive societal impact through their careers, social work, and community involvement.
• Creativity and Freedom of Spirit: It encourages individuals to explore new ideas, cultivate creativity, and make both life and work more enjoyable and meaningful.

Flexible and Personalized Growth Pathways: Tailored to individual interests, needs, and stages of development, lifelong education offers personalized paths for growth, ensuring that everyone can find the learning approach that best suits them.

Main Forms of Lifelong Education

• Formal Education: This is the systematic education within the school system that lays the foundation for personal growth.
• Non-formal Education: Non-formal education includes various learning experiences outside the traditional school system, such as vocational training, psychology, art courses, and other specialized programs.
• Informal Education: Informal education refers to learning outside formal educational institutions. This includes life experiences, self-directed learning, reading, social interactions, travel, and other everyday activities.

2. Stage-based education: the path to happiness and success

Education should be adjusted according to individual needs at different life stages, supporting individuals to develop a sense of social responsibility while living a fulfilling and happy life.

a. Early Childhood Education (0-6 years): Laying the Foundation for Happiness
Core Goal: Establish a sense of security and cultivate an exploratory spirit, which lays the foundation for future happiness and social adaptability.

• Psychological Safety: Grow in a stable and loving environment, developing trust and self-confidence.
• Social Skills: Learn sharing, cooperation, and emotional management, laying the foundation for future social adaptability.
• Creativity & Free Exploration: Stimulate curiosity and learning interest through play, art, and natural experiences.

b. Adolescent Development Education (6-18 years): Shaping Dreams and Social Awareness
Core Goal: Help adolescents form a healthy personality, develop independent thinking and social responsibility, and guide them in exploring future directions.

• Social Responsibility Education: Learn about laws, ethics, and civic awareness to establish social understanding.
• Life Exploration & Career Planning: Provide diverse practical opportunities to help discover personal interests and potential.
• Mental Health Education: Teach emotional management and interpersonal skills, building confidence and stress resilience.
• Creative & Critical Thinking: Encourage independent thought and the ability to solve problems.

c. Young & Midlife Education (18-50 years): Balancing Career, Family, and Personal Growth
Core Goal: Find balance between career, social responsibility, family, and personal happiness, achieving true success.

• Career Development & Social Impact: Focus not only on personal career success but also on how to contribute to society through work.
• Psychological Resilience & Emotional Growth: Provide mental health support, self-adjustment, and communication skills to help individuals face life’s challenges.
• Financial & Life Management: Teach financial planning, time management, and family relationship skills to improve quality of life.
• Lifelong Learning Ability: Continue acquiring knowledge to maintain competitiveness and happiness in a rapidly changing world.
• Psychological Growth & Life Meaning: Help individuals reflect on “What do I really want?”, avoid midlife crises, and achieve deeper fulfillment.

d. Elderly Wisdom Education (50+ years): Wisdom Transmission & Happiness in Later Years
Core Goal: Allow older adults to continue learning, contribute value, and lead a fulfilling and meaningful life.

• Experience Transmission: Encourage seniors to share their wisdom and become mentors or social contributors.
• Mental Health & Social Support: Provide psychological support and social activities to prevent loneliness and help them feel needed.
• Health Management: Assist older adults in maintaining physical vitality, ensuring a high quality of life in their later years.
• Spiritual Growth & Life Meaning: Engage seniors in volunteer work, social services, etc., so they can feel valued and live a fulfilling life.

True education is not simply about the transmission of knowledge. It is about helping individuals become complete human beings, encouraging them to not only take on responsibility in society but also experience happiness and fulfillment. Therefore, we need an education system that aligns the realization of social value with the pursuit of personal happiness:

1. Early Childhood: Cultivate a sense of security and an exploratory spirit, laying the foundation for happiness and success.
2. Adolescence: Shape a sense of social responsibility, encourage independent thinking, creativity, and collaboration, and guide them in finding their career path.
3. Young & Midlife: Find balance between career, family, and social contribution, actively creating social value while realizing personal fulfillment.
4. Old Age: Maintain physical and mental health, pass on wisdom, continue contributing to society, and live a meaningful later life.

Through this system, we not only develop qualified citizens but also ensure that every individual becomes a happy and successful member of society. This, in turn, drives societal progress and allows individuals to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Introduction

The social citizen capitalist society is a model that redefines the structure of civic engagement, shifting from the traditional “government-individual” paradigm to one centered around social organizations.

In this system, individuals participate in social and political life through these groups, which are the basic units of the society. They serve as the primary platforms for influencing societal development.

Unlike conventional citizenship which focuses on choosing a good government to solve the problems, social citizens are empowered with greater agency in the formation and interconnection of social groups. They actively shape the future of their communities and economies through organized collaboration.

What Is a Social Citizen?

A social citizen is a citizen who deeply understands how multiple systems in society impact personal well-being and takes actions to change the society for better. Unlike many citizens today, who primarily cling to personal interests and individual rights, social citizens recognize the intrinsic connection between personal happiness and collective welfare. This consciousness leads them to engage in social problem-solving, striving for a society where individual success aligns with communal prosperity.

In this updated civic model, people do not act as isolated individuals negotiating with a distant government. Instead, they work within social organizations to proactively resolve their problems and create meaningful change.

Social Organizations: The Foundation of the Social Citizen Society

At the core of the social citizen capitalist society are social organizations, which serve as the primary vehicles for social action. These organizations exist to address societal challenges and foster civic engagement.

Social organizations are not limited to traditional government institutions. They encompass a diverse range of collective entities, including but not limited to:

• Families: The most fundamental social unit, families play a crucial role in instilling civic values and fostering social responsibility from an early age.
• Communities: Geographic or interest-based communities provide essential support networks and serve as hubs for local problem-solving and civic action.
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): NGOs offer platforms for citizens to address societal issues such as environmental protection, human rights, and public welfare.
• Enterprises: Unlike in traditional capitalism, businesses in the social citizen society are expected to balance profit-making with social responsibility, contributing to community development rather than serving as purely profit-driven entities.
• Government Institutions: While governments continue to play a role, they transition into facilitators rather than sole decision-makers, supporting social organizations rather than dictating top-down policies.

Characteristics of Social Organizations

Social organizations in this model share several key characteristics:

• Human-Centered: These organizations prioritize human well-being over purely economic or bureaucratic considerations.
• Collaborative and Autonomous: They are self-governing entities that enable citizens to organize around shared goals, greatly reducing dependence on centralized government intervention.
• Purpose-Driven: Each organization operates with a clear social mission, whether it be improving education, protecting the environment, or ensuring economic fairness.
• Dynamic and Adaptive: As social needs evolve, social organizations continuously reshape their structures and objectives to address new challenges.

By fostering a network of interdependent social organizations, the social citizen capitalist society ensures that civic engagement is deeply embedded in everyday life. Citizens are no longer passive recipients of government policies but active participants in shaping a society that reflects shared values.

Social Citizen Society and Its Commitment to Civil Values

The social citizen capitalist society builds upon existing values of freedom, democracy, equality, and justice. However, unlike in today’s systems, where these principles are often reduced to rhetoric, the extensive presence of social organizations ensures their practical implementation.

Instead of relying solely on government enforcement, democracy and justice are upheld through decentralized, community-driven governance, making these ideals tangible in daily life.

Capitalism in the Social Citizen Society

One common misconception is that the social citizen capitalist society is a form of communism. However, this system is evolved from current capitalist model and remains fundamentally capitalist, with markets, competition, and private enterprise continuing to exist. The key difference lies in how capital is structured and managed.

Instead of absolute private ownership, capital operates within the framework of social organizations, making it less susceptible to exploitation.

In this system:

• Capital is viewed as a means to generate social value, not just private wealth.
• The unchecked power of capital is mitigated by social organizations, ensuring that economic activities align with collective well-being.
• The ultimate goal of economic activity is to produce social value, creating a more balanced and ethical version of capitalism.

Why This Model Matters

The social citizen capitalist society represents an evolution of both capitalism and democracy. By prioritizing civic engagement through social organizations, it offers a framework that reduces the risks of economic exploitation, strengthens democratic participation, and aligns personal and collective interests.

This model fosters a society where:

1. Power is decentralized, allowing citizens to directly influence decision-making through their social organizations.
2. Capitalism serves the common good, reducing economic inequality and fostering ethical business practices.
3. Freedom and democracy are tangible realities, deeply integrated into daily life rather than remaining abstract ideals.

Advantages of extensive participation in social groups

Participation in social organizations offers many advantages that make society more civilized, inclusive, dynamic, and resilient:

1. Empowering individuals with multidimensional roles: For example, one might be a volunteer in a community initiative, a researcher in a professional association, and a leader in a global movement. This flexibility allows individuals to maximize their skills and contribute meaningfully to society.
2. Encouraging cross-organizational and cross-sector collaboration: Collaboration between organizations becomes common. For example, environmental groups work with businesses to create sustainable products, and tech communities partner with schools to share knowledge.
3. Creating a globally connected society: Citizen-led social organizations are not bound by geographical or national borders, allowing them to operate on a global scale. This facilitates cross-border cooperation on issues like human rights, environmental sustainability, and technological ethics.
4. Enhancing society’s self-regulation and adaptability: Unlike traditional government-led models, social organizations can respond to societal needs more swiftly without bureaucratic inefficiencies. During crises or emergencies, these organizations can mobilize resources and provide targeted assistance faster than centralized authorities. This decentralized governance structure strengthens social resilience and ensures long-term stability.
5. Fostering a culture of democracy and strengthening civic engagement: With social organizations at the heart of governance, civic participation naturally increases. People reinforce democratic values, cooperation, and social responsibility through practice, not just through elections.

Conclusion

The social citizen capitalist society is not an abstract utopia—it is a practical evolution of modern society. By making social organizations the foundation of governance, it empowers citizens, humanizes capitalism, and ensures that democracy functions as more than just a system of periodic elections. This model envisions a future where individuals no longer stand alone against vast political and economic forces but work collectively to build a freer, fairer, and more sustainable world.