Thought Practice (ADialogue between Ding Dong, Xie Yong, Gao Zengde, Zhao Cheng, and Zhi Xiaomin)

Author: Ding Dong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: Understanding real history, exploring the unknown world, and caring about the fate of humanity. "Maintaining warmth and respect for history is Mr. Qian Mu's words, and that is the attitude I adopt when looking at modern Chinese history. Wearing 'necessary glasses' to interpret 20th-century China can only result in outdated legends; reflecting with a sense of inquiry brings me profound shock. History cannot be avoided, academia needs renewal, and thinking should be constantly reflected upon. History is a vast black box, and I can only glimpse a corner of it. A healthy and progressive society must have intellectuals serving as its soul and think tank. Outstanding scholars, together with excellent writers and journalists, often voice the conscience of society, resisting corruption and decline. Their thoughts and voices are not just focused on their own survival and development, but on the happiness of society and all humanity. They can provide foresight against short-sightedness and advocate reason against fanaticism. A prominent sign is speaking for the wronged and harmed, representing the interests of the vulnerable, and tirelessly striving for justice. When the interests of certain officials conflict with the public interest, there must be someone who stands up for the public interest. When the interests of the general public conflict with those of the powerful, there must be someone who defends the interests of the general public. However, now we face phenomena such as the capitalization of power and social injustice, yet some in academia and the broader intellectual community remain indifferent, even appearing to curry favor. Some scholars who still maintain integrity in their professional fields remain serious and conscientious, but when it comes to public affairs, they feel helpless, fearful, or even disgusted, and thus turn away, retreating into their studies. A few who refuse to remain silent lack opportunities and channels to express themselves in public media. As a result, in the overall social discourse, the absence of conscience sometimes becomes the norm. Changing the overall state of scholars' negligence certainly requires an external environment, but academia itself is not without room for effort. It should also start with diligence and self-discipline in professional fields while striving for diligence in the public sphere.