The motto of Tsinghua University - Continuous self-improvement and virtuous conduct
The eight characters "Continuous self-improvement and virtuous conduct" come from the two hexagrams "Qian" and "Kun" in "The Book of Changes" The hexagram says: "The sky is moving vigorously, and a gentleman strives to constantly strive for self-improvement; the terrain is weak, and a gentleman carries great virtues with him." In the winter of 1914, when Mr. Liang Qichao, a famous figure in modern China (later appointed as one of the four tutors of the Institute of Chinese Studies at Tsinghua University), was invited to Tsinghua University to give a speech entitled "The Gentleman", he used these two hexagrams as the central content to encourage Tsinghua students to work hard and strive for success. He also interpreted these two hexagrams as follows:
"Qian Xiangyan said that a gentleman's self-motivation is like the continuous movement of heaven, and there must be no shortcomings of being exposed to cold weather, and a scholar must be persevering and persevering when he is determined. , Even if you encounter ups and downs, you will remain unyielding; if you advance when you see an advantage, but retreat when you see difficulties, it is not a promising thing, and it is of no use. A person's life is like a boat sailing on the sea, with the wind and the headwind changing with the times. . If the wind is sure to go smoothly, then the sail will be sailed, and there will be no day to land!"
"Kun Xiang said, a gentleman is generous and has a great deal of responsibility. People are very light. Confucius said: "Be generous to yourself and pay little attention to others." Looking at him clearly means he is gentle. This is why he is thick and this is why he is a gentleman."
After Mr. Liang's speech, the school adopted this horoscope as its motto (also known as "school"). "Proverb"), and made a drawing and emblem, which was embedded in the front forehead when the auditorium was built in 1917. According to current research, the English school newspaper "BulletinInfor" published in September 1917
In the new historical period, people are giving new interpretations and extensions to the old school motto of "continuous self-improvement and virtue". so that it can be carried forward in the new situation.
The school motto is the spirit of the university. It not only reflects the academic tradition and educational purposes of a university, but also deeply sharpens the personality and conduct of generations of students. I like this school motto very much. As the most elite liberal arts college in China, it should spread the idea of ??"being a gentleman".