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Universities criticized for fostering elite self-servers
By Qilu Evening News |
September 5, 2012, Wednesday
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Print Edition
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IN a 5,000-word letter to incoming freshmen, law professor Xu Zhangrun at Tsinghua University condemned some university presidents today who behave more like bureaucrats than academics.
He pointed out that society can be materially rich but spiritually poor and advised first-year students to arm themselves with dedication to academics and behave correctly and honorably.
Xu's letter was published in Caijing magazine on Monday. The letter has inspired many young people to think deeply about establishing proper life goals during their four years at university.
These freshmen live at a time when society is at peace, but the pace is fast and highly competitive. Overwhelmed by the prospects of fierce job hunting for scarce positions and tough postgraduate entrance exams, many students give up their beliefs and dreams. Instead, in response to stress, they turn inward and dedicate themselves to their personal interests.
Several months ago, Qian Liqun, a well-known critic and professor from Peking University, said many of China's universities, including the most prestigious, are fostering "elite self-servers" who try to achieve their goals by currying favor with influential people in the current social system.
How can university students, especially the very best, live in peace if they are only taught to struggle for material success, without pondering moral values, social justice and the meaning of life?
Students should not run away from reality and neglect survival issues, but they should not be egoistic, money-oriented and power-seeking. The values of students today will greatly influence the future reforms of China and state of the world. It is vital that they pursue justice and correct values in the face of misleading, utilitarian education.
He pointed out that society can be materially rich but spiritually poor and advised first-year students to arm themselves with dedication to academics and behave correctly and honorably.
Xu's letter was published in Caijing magazine on Monday. The letter has inspired many young people to think deeply about establishing proper life goals during their four years at university.
These freshmen live at a time when society is at peace, but the pace is fast and highly competitive. Overwhelmed by the prospects of fierce job hunting for scarce positions and tough postgraduate entrance exams, many students give up their beliefs and dreams. Instead, in response to stress, they turn inward and dedicate themselves to their personal interests.
Several months ago, Qian Liqun, a well-known critic and professor from Peking University, said many of China's universities, including the most prestigious, are fostering "elite self-servers" who try to achieve their goals by currying favor with influential people in the current social system.
How can university students, especially the very best, live in peace if they are only taught to struggle for material success, without pondering moral values, social justice and the meaning of life?
Students should not run away from reality and neglect survival issues, but they should not be egoistic, money-oriented and power-seeking. The values of students today will greatly influence the future reforms of China and state of the world. It is vital that they pursue justice and correct values in the face of misleading, utilitarian education.
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