Centennial Anniversary Master Speeches
During the anniversary celebrations, international speakers gathered together at this feast of knowledge and have brought honor to the institution. Their sharing of knowledge also enabled the teachers, students and alumni members to stand atop the shoulders of giants and broaden their perspectives.
On Mar 17th, NCU also invited Director of the Peking University Institute for Advanced Humanistic Studies Prof.Tu Weiming to give a speech on “Learning to Conduct Oneself – Perspectives of the Spirit of Humanism” and discuss the issues surrounding the concept ofbeing a “Person.” How should one “learn,” and how does one “conduct oneself”? Rebuilding a meaningful, harmonious and humane society with sound values is the starting point towards an ideal society.
Professor Tu proposed an idea: when discussing people, the discussion should be focused on real-life people. The issue should not be philosophy, natural science and humanities but rather on self-understanding, on the recognition issues surrounding mankind. The aim of learning is not for parents or society, but for the cultivation of oneself. He is of the opinion that the “NCU motto” has given him great inspiration, “Learning to be an Honest Person.”
On April 29th, first Tang Prize Winner in Rule of Law, South African Constitution Justice Albie Sachs gave a speech with the theme of “Converting Negativity into Positivity through Transitional Justice.” Despite losing an arm and an eye, Albie Sachs is optimistic and does not waver in his will. On the contrary, he shares his unique opinions of “Soft Vengeance,” justice reforms and democratic peace, offering precious human rights and justice education.
Albie Sachs devoted his life to building democracy and rule of law in South Africa. He is the main drafter of the Human Rights Constitution in South Africa and one of the first Chief Justices in the Constitutional Court of South Africa. In his 15 year career, he wrote many classic rulings and opinions, and he spoke up for people from the lower rungs of society and achieved many “Constitution Miracles” in the Constitutional Court of South Africa.
On May 19th, former president of Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Fellow of Academia Sinica Ambrose Yeo-Chi King arrived at the “Yu Chi-Chung Forum” to give a speech on “Discovery of Chinese Contemporary Political Culture – A Road From Being People-Oriented to Democracy.” He analyzed the political cultures in different times and backgrounds, and stressed that democracy in Taiwan has come a long way and should be valued based on our progress toward a better implementation of democracy.
The library specially arranged for an unveiling ceremony for the “King Yeo-Chi Bookshelf” which houses a collection of 26 of his works and 4 other out of print books. A calligraphy brush was prepared for him to sign his name in memory. Well-versed in calligraphy, King Yeo-Chi handled the brush with ease and surprised by his skills, the audience commented that “the books have found happiness!”
On May 22nd, the Business Administration Faculty celebrated its 30th anniversary and invited TSMC Director Morris Chang to give a speech on “The Income and Distribution of Wealth in the Market Economy.” He talked about “the American Dream” during his years of studying and shared his personal experiences. When he arrived in America at the age of 18, he was penniless. As he had a good education, he was able to climb to the middle class and surpass the American Dream.
In addition, he expressed that Taiwan should have its own “Taiwanese Dream” and to realize this dream, effort must be put into education. If poor people are unable to enter first-class universities, the unfair educational opportunities would make it hard to realize this “Taiwanese Dream.” He feels that Taiwanese students have many talents and they are harder-working and profess more professional knowledge than their foreign counterparts. To be distinguished from the crowd, Taiwanese students should cultivate their curiosity and cultivate a habit of lifelong learning, and establish independent thinking and good judgment.
