Let me be upfront: in today’s article, Master Chi has no interest in grandstanding about global trends — because there are already far too many armchair analysts out there who can talk about world affairs with great eloquence.
But they completely fail to address the two most important questions: First, what should ordinary people like us actually prepare for? Second, how can we each make even a small but meaningful contribution to our country and society?
So Master Chi wants to address both of these from the most practical, genuine, and grounded perspective — and help you understand exactly what arrangements and preparations you need to make going forward:
1 — Face reality clearly. What we are about to encounter is a new global crisis, one that will ultimately result in a complete restructuring of the world order.
So if someone looks back a hundred years from now, they’ll realize that we — here in 2025 — have already entered a brand-new chapter of history. A chapter destined to be filled with cold wars, hot conflicts, and relentless instability.
We will ultimately win, and we will ultimately prevail through the height of our civilization. But the turbulence in between remains unavoidable.
2 — “Pragmatism” must be the word you keep foremost in your mind over the coming years. All your efforts must converge on a single goal: steadily converting a portion of your wealth into stable, reliable, long-term assets. Only this way can you gradually build real net worth through the coming wave of monetary expansion and currency inflation.
But remember this absolutely: do not touch anything niche, exotic, or speculative — especially anything that makes you think “this could make me rich quick” or “this seems overpriced.” Stay away from all of it.
Here’s what you need to understand: truly reliable assets always have the most participants and are fully compliant with regulations. Don’t be deceived by their lack of explosive short-term gains — the longer the time horizon, the more valuable they become.
3 — For young people, the trend going forward is that academic credentials will be increasingly devalued. Except for a tiny number of truly elite institutions at the very top, the returns on a degree will fall far short of what you gain from: broad perspective, deep understanding, practical capability, and knowing the specific pathways to climb.
What leaves Master Chi both frustrated and genuinely puzzled is this: despite today’s explosion of information, the vast majority of people still fill their days with cheap, low-quality entertainment that offers nothing of substance.
People today may see more of the world — but their depth of understanding has not grown at all. If anything, they’ve become more shallow and foolish.
So trust me: if you’re willing to dedicate your coming years to mastering wealth acquisition, sharpening your thinking, and pursuing genuine awakening (觉醒), you will absolutely outperform 99% of the herd.
4 — Don’t let yourself be led astray by low-level thinking. Many of life’s most important decisions require going in the exact opposite direction from the mediocre masses.
For instance, right now is precisely the time to position yourself in wealth — not just sit on cash. Cash is necessary, but it cannot be everything. When you have the means, take moderate positions in the leading dominant companies of their industries, then forget about it.
Similarly, if you’ve been thinking about having children, don’t delay in these next couple of years — especially if you’ve been on the fence. Just go ahead and do it. Don’t obsessively push your child toward achievement, and don’t give them excessively privileged conditions either. A normal upbringing with sound values is enough. Twenty-five years from now, you’ll understand what truly constitutes the most important wealth.
5 — Set your inner expectations clearly now. What lies ahead is a long cycle of negotiations and conflicts. We will win — but we will also face many challenges and opportunities of historic magnitude.
And those who tune everything out and simply drift through life? They will end up in the most awkward and painful position of all.
Get ready. Prepare yourself to face setbacks and hardships — but know that within those very setbacks and hardships lie countless opportunities worth fighting for.
What — you still don’t know what opportunities?
Then go back and read points 1 through 4 again. If your perception is sharp enough, the answer is already obvious.