This book is a narrative and declaration of values by Sun Yuchen over the past decade, and it is also a book for young people who desire breakthroughs and pursue freedom.
The author Sun Yuchen uses his own experience of rising against the odds to tell us bluntly:
This era is both brutally suffocating and unexpectedly gentle.
The following seven sentences are the key quotes I found after reading (the most frequently quoted lines from the entire book):
1/ This is the most brutal era; as long as you slack off a little, all your efforts will be in vain.
2/ This is the gentlest era; as long as you persist a little, you will stand out.
3/ This world is cruel because it only looks at results; even if a person tries hard, they can only be blinded by cheap self-satisfaction.
4/ The world is gentle because this rapidly developing internet era recognizes everyone's value, providing every individual with the freedom, independence, and opportunity to pursue their dreams without being constrained by others.
5/ I firmly believe in the power of self; I will never live for others, nor do I ask others to live for me.
6/ I believe in the power of struggle, and that achieving success and breaking class barriers through personal effort is the most dignified and proud thing in this world.
7/ I believe in the power of wealth; financial freedom is a prerequisite for achieving personal freedom and independence, and wealth is the kindest force to change the world. Changing the world starts with earning a penny.
The following five points are the sharpest major viewpoints I gained from the entire book:
1/ Active choice > Passive acceptance
Without rebellion, one never truly possesses youth.
Refuse cheap stability and embrace the uncertainty of high risks and high returns.
Before the age of 30, do not buy a house, do not buy a car, do not get married, and invest all your time, money, and energy in self-improvement and personal growth.
2/ Result-oriented & Incremental thinking
The world only sees results, not how hard you work.
Ordinary people focus on existing resources (who currently has houses and cars), while smart people focus on incremental growth (who can create greater value in the future).
Take responsibility for the results, eliminate self-indulgence, and maintain extreme focus.
3/ Personal independence and financial freedom
True freedom = Personal independence + Financial freedom.
Do not live for parents, partners, or societal evaluations.
There is nothing wrong with self-interest; redefine 'self-interest'—become strong yourself to have the ability to make the world better.
4/ The internet era is the last dividend window for ordinary people.
This era allows the underprivileged to rise and allows young people to define the rules.
As long as you are stubborn enough and persistent enough, the world will be gentle with you.
But as long as you relax even slightly, it will immediately crush you.
5/ The 'anti-consensus' on parents, marriage, cities, and workplaces.
Reconcile with your parents, but you do not have to obey.
Do not rush to get married, especially not for 'stability'.
Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou are not optional; they are a must (the highest density of resources and opportunities).
College students should start their own businesses as early as possible, rather than pursuing 'stable jobs'.
Sun Yuchen said in the preface:
"I clash and reconcile with this world, ultimately forming my own hard, clear, and well-defined values."
This book is not a self-help book, but a sincere and sharp minority report.
It will make you uncomfortable, but it may also lead you to truly ask yourself for the first time on some deep night:
What kind of life do I want to live?
Should I continue to be kidnapped by 'should' or dare to take full responsibility for myself?
People who finish this book will generally fall into two categories:
One feels that it is 'too extreme', while the other quietly raises the flag of not buying a house, car, or getting married before the age of 30.
After you finish reading this book, I believe you will have your own answer!