North University Scholars Talk About Reading (Revised Edition)

Author: Xiao Dongfa, Yang Chengyun
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Features: This book collects discussions on reading by fifty-eight authors, starting with Yan Fu, the former president of Peking University, and then arranged in chronological order by the birth years of each scholar, down to the current faculty members who are still teaching at the university. Most of the content introduces the authors' personal experiences and insights in reading and academic pursuits. Beyond serving as a tribute to the predecessors, it also provides enlightenment and guidance for young intellectuals in their pursuit of knowledge, while offering a general understanding of the overall trend of talent cultivation at Peking University over the past century. As scholars, most begin with reading and research, gradually achieving academic success and authoring works. They contribute to the scientific research field not only by laying bricks and adding to it but also by some outstanding individuals publishing works with profound insights and innovative ideas, thereby entering the world of academia. Although their paths, methods, and breakthrough points differ, and their ultimate goals vary, their success ultimately hinges on the eight characters: diligence and deep learning.
In the past, we said that people are born with different innate talents, and today we also acknowledge that people have varying IQs. However, scholars who achieve academic success are not limited to a few geniuses. Some scholars may not appear exceptionally brilliant but ultimately achieve remarkable academic accomplishments through relentless effort. The ancients said, "Diligence can compensate for dullness." In my opinion, as long as one is willing to work hard and not shy away from putting in the effort, the saying "When others do one thing, you do a hundred" not only compensates for dullness but also enhances intelligence and sharpens skills. A person of extraordinary intelligence, combined with diligence and deep learning, naturally becomes a renowned figure in academia.
In modern and contemporary academia, the predecessors recognized as masters include figures like Wang Guowei and Lu Xun in the early days, and Chen Yinque and Qian Zhongshu in recent times. Apart from their innate talents, which are beyond human reach, all of them were diligent and hardworking, dedicating their lives to the practice of "reading thousands of volumes." Otherwise, they could not have stood out as. The so-called "genius" must be accompanied by "scholarly ability." Some may not even surpass the ordinary or "dull" people who rely on "When others do one thing, you do a hundred" to compensate for their dullness through diligence.
Of course, the "diligence" mentioned here is not limited to extensive reading and memorization; it also involves diligent thinking and the ability to generalize and make connections. The ancients said, "Think, think, think until you cannot think anymore, and then the spirits will connect it for you." In reality, what makes things "connect" is not the spirits but the improvement in IQ through continuous thinking. Then, one can return to further and deeper reflection on the issue, creating a virtuous cycle, ultimately reaching the goal.
We hope that dear readers can gain insights from the dozens of articles collected in this book and benefit from their academic practice. Then, the compilers' efforts will not be in vain, and it will also fulfill a wish of those at Peking University.