A Letter from the President of Beijing University of Chemical Technology to the Freshmen of the Class of 2017
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Hello! Now I can tell you that you have arrived home; you have come to the new big family of Beijing University of Chemical Technology – a place where you can acquire new knowledge. Upon entering the house, you will first feel the atmosphere of a university that surrounds you. Yes, it is this atmosphere – this atmosphere that blends traditional and contemporary concepts and spirits of universities – which will always be with you and influence you. Under the influence of these concepts and spirits, you will develop lifelong aspirations for striving. A university embodies great breadth of mind and magnanimity; it represents profound knowledge and a high level of insight. It is also characterized by noble aspirations and a deep sense of commitment. The Book of Rites, The Treatise on Learning, states: “If a gentleman wishes to transform the people and establish customs, he must do so through learning!” ”Think about it: if one has no ambition to understand the world and accomplish tasks, or to comprehend the principles behind the transformation of things, and if learning serves no purpose in revitalizing China or serving the people, then why study at all? The Book of Rites, The Great Learning states: “The way of the Great Learning lies in bringing forth one’s innate virtue, in serving the people, and in striving for ultimate goodness.” ”Imagine: if a university does not follow the ways of nature as they exist in the universe, if it does not seek the methods of creation and innovation that involve constant renewal, if it does not strive to achieve utmost sincerity and fully realize one’s potential, as well as to understand the nature of all things in order to contribute to the nurturing processes of heaven and earth, so that it can be on par with heaven and earth, then what is the purpose of such a university? In this way, the university is no longer merely a regular place for attending lectures, reading, conducting experiments, and participating in activities; it becomes a sacred sanctuary that helps you learn how to be a person, develop critical thinking skills, and pursue innovation, thereby fostering your growth into capable individuals. Dear students, I would like to welcome you to Beijing University of Chemical Technology, a family rich in knowledge and fertile ground for innovation, so that you can understand and embrace the concepts and spirit of this university.
Zhu Xi’s poem \"Reflections while Reading\" reads: \"A half-acre pond serves as a mirror, where the light of heaven and the shadows of clouds linger together.\" Why is the water so clear? Because it has a continuous supply of fresh water from its source. ”What kind of knowledge do we need to learn in university? Students may ask, do we only learn *the knowledge related to our major? Or shall we just stay within that narrow realm related to our profession? Or have we merely acquired professional skills that will enable us to find employment in the future? I want to tell my classmates that it’s not possible; your Beihua campus is really huge. There are not just classrooms and laboratories here; there are also areas in the library for researching information and reading books. There are gardens with walkways where one can memorize texts and English words. There are class gatherings in the square, as well as exhibitions of works in the corridors of the teaching buildings ； Here, there is also a large platform for interdisciplinary studies in areas such as \"advanced quality\" and \"advanced chemical engineering\", as well as for general education; by stepping onto this platform, you can explore to your heart’s content all the knowledge in the fields of science, technology, and humanities that interest you. How can knowledge be instilled? How can knowledge separate geoscience* from possession? Why does knowledge have to come only from books and classrooms? Why does knowledge become nothing more than dogmatic theory or an explanation of professional skills? John Locke said, “The ultimate means by which a person guides himself is his understanding.” ”While learning knowledge is certainly important, what is even more crucial is probably the understanding of that knowledge, right? Yes, the true pursuit of knowledge is not meant to keep us indulged in knowledge itself, but rather to liberate our minds from fear of conventions and from submission to the control of authority. “It is absolutely necessary to bring the mind and understanding into a better and more perfect state of use,” (as Locke said). Only in this way can we develop a speculative and critical mindset through the process of learning, and only then can we dare to ask questions and be bold in innovation without submitting to the authority of the mind. Confucius said, “Learning without reflection is futile; reflection without learning is dangerous.” ”Our learning is not for the sake of a form or an outcome ； Knowledge that is acquired without reflection or questioning is empty or even false; it is useless. However, if we combine the acquisition of knowledge with understanding how to apply it, knowledge can become a continuous source of inspiration, serving as the abilities and skills that enable us to serve ** and society. I believe that, in order to achieve the goal of nurturing your growth into capable individuals, our university, our home at Beijing University of Chemical Technology, must provide you with general education options that allow for free choice, interdisciplinary platforms that enable such choices, as well as diversified and innovative learning models that help expand both your knowledge and skills. Classmates, I am now going to recommend 100 classic works from ancient and modern times, as well as from various countries around the world. It will be a vast and boundless world of knowledge. Each of us must not only get to know this world and enter it, nor merely stay in it for a few days or a while; rather, we must delve deep into it, explore it thoroughly, and experience it fully, throughout our entire lives. I believe this is the level of understanding and the perseverance in thinking that the comprehensive education approach of Beihua University, focused on \"large-scale chemical engineering\" and \"high-quality development\", aims to impart to you. “If one never ventures into life, how can they know its perils and difficulties? Seeing your grand painting is like seeing a hundred Lushan Mountains. ”(Poem by Lu Jiuyuan from \"Inscription on Liu Dingfu’s Poem Scroll\") Dear students, do not hesitate or be timid; as long as you are willing to learn, strive for truth, and dare to innovate, this warm intellectual home that is Beijing University of Chemical Technology will surely open all the doors of opportunity for you. During these four years of study, I want you to have great aspirations in your hearts, to embrace a broad vision; to adopt the speculative spirit of \"investigating things to acquire knowledge\" that Zhu Xi and Lu Jiuyuan demonstrated during their meeting at Ehu Lake. I want you to leave behind your positive and eager spirit of seeking knowledge in every corner and place here. Wish you progress in your studies, good health, and a happy life!
Thousands of words are written, filled with expectations and encouragement for the newcomers, but how much of this can these students really understand? I hope you all understood.
I just got a certificate by staying here
There are too many mixed certificates, haha; society is the real university