Interesting Facts about Modern Celebrities

1. Cai Yuanpei (1868-1940)

After taking office, Cai Yuanpei lectured the students: "College students should regard academic research as their bounden duty and should not use university as a ladder to promotion and wealth." Later. , Mr. Cai put forward the "Sixteen-Character Proverb"; it included all major classics, included many schools of thought, and was free in thought and inclusive. In just over two years, Mr. Cai transformed a bureaucrat into a holy place of thought and culture, profoundly influencing the development of Chinese society and thought.

Cai Yuanpei advocates the "sacredness of labor" and interprets this idea with his own words and deeds. In January 1917, on the day Cai Yuanpei took office as the president of Peking University, he bowed politely and respectfully to the school officials who saluted him. In the past, the president of Peking University always ignored the school officials. After that, he took off his hat and bowed to the campus police every day when he entered and exited the school.

2. Zhang Taiyan (1869-1936)

Yuan Shikai stole the achievements of the revolution and was not satisfied with being the president. He also wanted to be the emperor and pursued revolutionaries such as Sun Yat-sen. . During this period, Zhang Taiyan was detained by Yuan Shikai, and many people wanted to rescue him. Someone turned to Secretary Zhang, Yuan Shikai's closest confidant, and said, "President Yuan has a hundred thousand elite soldiers, and he is still afraid that a scholar will fail? Just let Mr. Taiyan go!" After hearing this, Secretary Zhang widened his eyes and said: "This is not possible. Taiyan's articles can sweep thousands of armies, and they are also terrible things!"

3. Wang Guowei (1877-1927)

Wang Guowei's academic knowledge is profound and profound. He has made outstanding achievements in the fields of literature, philosophy, history, oracle bone inscriptions, etc. Wang Guowei wrote this in "The Words of the World": "Those who have achieved great things and learned great things in ancient and modern times must pass through three realms: 'Last night the west wind withered the green trees. I climbed up to the tall building alone and looked at the end of the world. (Translation: Last night: Last night The autumn wind blew hard, and the green trees withered. I climbed up the tall building alone, looking at the road disappearing into the horizon. From the Song Dynasty poet Yan Shu) "This is the first scene." Regret, I feel haggard because of her. This is the second state. Looking back, there was that person, in the dim light (Translation: I looked for her in the crowd a thousand times, suddenly turned around, and inadvertently found her in the dim light. From the Song Dynasty poet Xin Qiji) 'This is the third realm. . These words cannot be said by a great poet."

4. Li Shutong (1880-1942)

Feng Zikai concluded: The most important characteristic of Mr. Li's life is "seriousness". . If he doesn't do something, he will do it. If he wants to do it, he must do it thoroughly. He went from being a handsome young man to an overseas student. While studying abroad, he rehearsed "La Traviata", which was the first of modern Chinese drama (called "civilized drama" at the time).

Later, he became a teacher, taught and educated people, worked conscientiously, and trained a large number of outstanding students like Feng Zikai. Later, he became a monk and dedicated himself to Buddha, becoming "Master Hongyi". A few days before his death, he wrote his last stanza: "The friendship between gentlemen is as light as water. They hold on to images and seek, but they are thousands of miles away. When I ask what is appropriate, I forget to say anything. The branches are full of spring, and the moon is full in the heart of the sky." "Master Hongyi's last words were: a mixture of sorrow and joy.

5. Gu Hongming (1857-1928)

Gu Hongming learned both Chinese and Western knowledge. In the anti-traditional wave of the 20th century, he firmly maintained China's inherent traditions. When he first came to teach at Peking University, the students couldn't help laughing when they saw the long braid hanging on the back of his head.

And he walked to the podium calmly, looked at the students below, and said slowly: "You are only laughing at me because of my braids. My braids are tangible." Yes, you can cut it off. But the braids on your students’ heads are not so easy to cut.” These words stunned the students. No one will dare to laugh at him in class from now on.