On the speculation of truth-seeking spirit: A commemoration of Prof. CHU Kochen on his 130th birthday
ZJUers are constantly pondering the two questions raised by Prof. CHU Kochen: “ What is your original aspiration on enrollment? Where do you want to go in life?”
From 1936 to 1949, Prof. CHU Kochen served as the president of National Chekiang University (now known as Zhejiang University) and elevated our institution to one of the most prestigious universities in China.
He encourages younger generation to look inward, reflect upon themselves and set a goal in life.
Today, on his 130th birthday, let’s recall his far-reaching notions which are of great significance on university development and China’s education:
“Seeking truth, being the top priority of higher education, requires critical thinking and a sense of discernment.”
“The ultimate goal of universities, seeking truth, can be reached by two ways: acquiring knowledge and respecting virtues. They are two sides of the same coin.”
As the saying goes: “A humble abode though this is, my virtues make it smell sweet.”To advance education and create excellent learning atmosphere is all about the people, not the buildings.
“Higher education should lay equal stress on liberal education and technical education.”
“Scientists should hold the attitude of intellectual honesty. That is, to know what it is that you know, and to know what it is that you do not know.”
“Truth-seeking is not to get stuck in book or lab. According to the golden mean of the Confucian school, to seek truth is to be erudite, inquisitive, thoughtful, discerning and practical. It's not enough to be knowledgeable and inquisitive. We must be a careful thinker and a motivated doer with discernment, putting gains and losses in our hearts meanwhile doing our utmost to chase the goals. Success and failure are not foreseen, all we could do is to spare no effort in the performance of our duty.”