Harvard Boy's Growth Advice

Author: Zhang Xianyong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
Features: A classic of wisdom for shaping true men. Harvard should not just be an identifier or a fashionable title; what truly matters is to delve into the thoughts of philosophers, let the minds of the wise permeate us, and nourish us with humanity's greatest wisdom. Are you afraid of the biting cold? Are you fearful of the pouring rain? Embrace the wind and rain and strive hard—return to your primal nature, endure hunger and cold like a wolf, and traverse rivers and streams like a crane. Your hands will become calloused and strong, your face tanned and radiant. You may become ragged, sunburned, and exhausted, but your steps will be steady—you will be a true man. A drop of ink can spark your reflection, and a good book can change your life. Character is better than knowledge. — Robert Coles, Law Professor at Harvard University I have always believed that young people who want to achieve wealth should become educators. True wealth does not come from money but from serving others. — Jerome Murphy, Dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Education If you care deeply about the outcome, you will surely attain it. Want to be rich? Be rich. Want to be knowledgeable? Be knowledgeable. Want to be a good person? Become a good person. As long as you sincerely desire these things. — William James, Psychology Professor at Harvard University The habit of success itself is the greatest driving force behind success. — Eliot, 21st President of Harvard University We should make civic responsibility a clear and important goal of education. — Derek Bok, 25th President of Harvard University "Harvard boys" and "Harvard girls" have long been symbols in the hearts of the Chinese, representing the aspirations of parents for their children to excel. They view their children's admission to Harvard as a victory in education. Whenever a new "Harvard boy" or "Harvard girl" emerges, a wave of parents flock to seek the secrets of their upbringing. The fundamental philosophy of Harvard education is to cultivate the next generation as true human beings. Based on "becoming an adult" and aiming for "achieving success," Harvard has adhered to this principle in talent cultivation for hundreds of years. "Becoming an adult" means educating students to master the principles, knowledge, and of being a person, becoming a healthy, humane, socially responsible, and historically conscious individual. Only those who truly understand the essence of being a person can become elite members of society through further professional training; otherwise, what is produced is merely a tool. Harvard's philosophy has deep roots, carrying the dreams and hopes of generations of Harvardians for over 300 years. In the early 17th century, the first British settlers arrived in North America to establish their own "Eden." Despite facing hunger, cold, and severe economic hardship, they did not focus on getting rich but on saving and founding a university. Among the immigrants were over 100 devout Puritans who acted promptly, starting with donating their personal libraries. Every person goes through a "season of spiritual development" in their growth, and everyone has a thirst for knowledge and needs nourishment to enlighten their minds. However, our education and cultural environment tend to be worldly and. Cultivating character and cultural awareness is an inner discipline; it is an embodiment, not a performance, and certainly not an act. It is the projection of the soul onto action, not the disguise of action over the soul. Harvard should not just be an identifier or a fashionable title; what truly matters is to delve into the thoughts of philosophers. As Harvard's century-old motto goes: "Be friends with Plato, be friends with Aristotle, and above all, be friends with truth." Let us then be friends with the philosophers and companions with wisdom. On the journey of life, listen more to the advice of the wise, let the minds of the sages permeate us, and nourish us with humanity's greatest wisdom. "You should do something you don't want to do every other day." When you are tired, when you have free time, when you are indulging in entertainment, or when you don't want to read, please open this book. Because reading is the foundation and ladder of personal progress, and at the same time, let us thank these masters who have left us with wise words and insights.