Chapter 283: Strategic Depth (Extra for everyone's recommendation votes)_1

Jiang Yu's words made many people begin to reflect: Is a high-welfare society really an excellent social system?

Jiang Yu continued, "Once humanity formed society, division of labor began.

"Thus, work became a recognition of one's capabilities in this society, it could even be said to be proof of one's value.

"If there were no way to prove one's worth, it would definitely be a passive society, and then there would be no talk of ideals.

"Therefore, in the eyes of those in power, everyone having a job is a necessary condition for a positive and progressive society.

"I have always believed that so-called high welfare should be dedicated to building a fair and equal society.

"Whether it's the interests of soldiers in military fortresses defending the Solar System State, the welfare of wage earners living in Jupiter City, or the well-being of workers at the frontier bases on Neptune, they all need to be taken care of.

"For those areas that have not developed, we should design industrial systems and economic systems suited to local conditions, allowing them to prosper through labor.

Seeing Bernice grow increasingly puzzled as she listened, Jiang Yu smiled and summarized, "In short, you must understand that the government's role is not just to provide welfare but also to guide the entire country forward.

"If the people are suffering, it is the government's responsibility; if the people become lazy and comfortable, it is also the government's responsibility.

"We must encourage the people to achieve what they desire through their own labor, so that both the people and society can be healthier.

"Rather than doling out unemployment benefits like charity, living in an environment of discrimination and oppression."

Jiang Yu smiled, took a sip of tea, and said, "As long as you understand the harms of a high-welfare society, then the first question is easily solved!

"The whole of human society now is like a big fat man, who, when faced with the strong and agile Trisolarans, still has no thoughts of dieting.

"Military control is like a knife, since everyone has already lost the self-awareness to diet, then I will use this knife to cut away the society's excess fat!

"Such societal growing pains will trigger many unstable elements, but military control can resolve these instabilities while consolidating strength to prepare for war against the Trisolarans."

Bernice nodded, the metaphor from Jiang Yu helped her suddenly understand many principles.

Jiang Yu continued, "As for your second and fourth questions, they should actually be considered as one question.

"You want to ask if today's Solar System State should be hostile towards certain classes, if it should enslave a segment of the population.

"My answer is, as a politician, I do not see distinctions such as rich people, workers, and so on.

"For instance, in my view, if wealthy people desire vegetables grown in the North Mo Farm on Earth, then the owner of North Mo Farm will benefit from this, those who transport the vegetables will also benefit, and the state will collect taxes as well.

"In my eyes, every person in society has their role, and every government decree is not merely about maximizing profit or adopting a one-size-fits-all approach.

Jiang Yu paused and then said, "Because of such guiding thought, the Solar System State will not be hostile to anyone, but economically, monopolies must not form!

"Most of the major problems Earth is facing now are essentially due to economic monopolies.

"Of course, the Solar System State will also have its own issues although we won't be hostile to anyone, there will be times we'll sacrifice the interests of some for a brighter future.

"Just like at the establishment of the Solar System State when PDC's blockade was in place, there was a significant focus on investment in scientific research.

"For that cause, the entire Solar System State made great sacrifices, harming many people's interests.

"Yet after enduring that tough period, each one of us today is a beneficiary of those substantial investments made back then.

"If there's someone well-educated in history, they would certainly remember when New China was established, how the development of industry came at the expense of the interests of the vast majority of farmers.

"Only after sixty or seventy years after the establishment of New China, the benefits brought by the developed industry began to nourish agriculture and started constructing a new countryside!"

"For a while, the opportunities in the countryside were more abundant than in the cities, it's just a pity that the subsequent Three-body Crisis shattered this historically significant reciprocation."

"Before that, the Soviet Union had not completed the process of reciprocation, and China was the first country to successfully start it."

"At the same time, India, which had not made up its mind to develop industry, still has a relatively weak industrial system even now."

"Measuring and striving to bring longer-lasting welfare to the people is the greatest duty of the government."

Bernice excitedly said, "I know, I've heard about it! I heard my father talk about your hometown and the achievements it has made!"

Jiang Yu smiled and said, "It's rare that someone still remembers those stories."

Then he said seriously, "The complete denial of Eastern wisdom by humanity before was a huge mistake, just like cutting off one of our own legs!"

"Thank you for your answer," Bernice said politely.

Jiang Yu smiled and asked, "Aren't you going to ask me why I insist on developing the outer planets of the Solar System?"

"Isn't the answer obvious? To enhance humanity's, um, what's that word again, strategic, strategic..."

Jiang Yu suggested, "Strategic depth?"

"Yes, strategic depth—that's a term I heard from listening to adults' conversations!" Bernice said:

"I've seen a Solar System military map in an army uncle's office, and our proudly cited Jupiter Cultural Sphere can only be considered the interior of the Solar System.

"Our military fortresses on Jupiter are like setting up defenses against the enemy in our own bedroom, giving up the living room, dining room, and all the other rooms."

Jiang Yu lamented, "Those who question why I want to develop the outer planets are really as stupid as pigs compared to you!"

Bernice laughed at Jiang Yu's remark, "Can I come to you with questions in the future?"

"Of course! You can come whenever you want!" Jiang Yu agreed readily, "I don't bother seeing others because most of them see me with a strong utility in mind, but you don't."

Bernice finished the last sip of her milk tea, looking somewhat regretful, "Thank you for your hospitality!"

"No need to thank me!" Jiang Yu smiled and stood up to see Bernice out.

After the live broadcast ended, the entire Solar System State plunged into intense discussions.

Many had doubted Jiang Yu's arrangements simply because they did not understand them.

It was only through the live broadcast that people realized there was a method to Jiang Yu's plans.

At the same time, the book "Eastern Political Heritage" suddenly became a popular read, with downloads reaching ten million in just one day!

It was then that the staff responsible for overseeing the deceived new citizens exposed their daily lives.

Those people had food and drink, and entertainment, even free love was adequately respected; aside from temporarily restricted personal freedoms and compulsory labor, they were not mistreated as the rumors suggested.

After the live broadcast of the conversation, the destabilizing factors within the Solar System State were mostly settled, and Jiang Yu's bold reforms continued.

Reforms in education, housing, medicine, and other areas had already begun, bringing huge changes to the Solar System State. Some people were overwhelmed, some clapped their hands in praise, while others cried and wailed.

No matter how people reacted, there were no more collective doubts of the Wallfacer.

This series of reforms continued until the Crisis Era Year 206 June before they essentially took shape.

In the same month, Jiang Shiliu conducted the first experiment to attack Waterdrop One!