Chapter 6 An inch of time cannot be taken lightly

China is a country rich in writing, and Peking University is a rich source of humanities. The two are inextricably linked. If there is a coincidence, Peking University will surely become the cradle of writers.The period of the May 4th Movement was a concrete example, and the last few decades have been another vivid example.In the Chinese literary world during these two periods, the people of Peking University were as brilliant as stars.I think people will admit this fact. In the past few years, I have been very busy. The "golden age" in the 1950s when I could have spare time to read some literary works after teaching and administrative work is gone forever.However, fortunately, I am not yet a lazy person. In the gap between "internal troubles" and "foreign troubles", I always have to squeeze out some time to read some works by young students of Peking University. I read almost all the literary works published in the "School Magazine".Not long ago I read "Peking University Memories", which are the memories and articles written by the youths of Peking University in the 70s, 80s, and 90s.Some of them have fresh and lively ideas and fresh and elegant writing style, which really refreshed my eyes and ears.The ancient Chinese said: "The sound of young phoenixes is clearer than that of old phoenixes." I—if everyone allows me to take part in it—and us "old phoenixes", I really have to pay homage to you "young phoenixes". Cast eyes of envy and admiration.

However, the ancient Chinese said: "Fullness hurts, modesty benefits." I hope you can seriously understand the meaning of these two sentences. "Relying on the old to sell the old" is not advisable, and "relying on the less to sell the less" is also worthy of vigilance for young people. Everything in the world has an endless development.There are people beyond people, and there is heaven beyond the sky. The idea that "Lao Tzu is number one in the world" is absolutely wrong.You must have a deep understanding of the vast literature left by our ancestors.It is best to recite hundreds of old poems and dozens of ancient prose, so that they can be contained in your heart and whispered in your mouth at any time.This will be of great benefit to your literary creation and the improvement of your humanistic quality.This is true whether you are or will be teaching, researching, doing business, working in politics, or being a professional writer.For excellent foreign literary works, we must also put in a lot of effort and try to figure them out concisely.This is absolutely indispensable to your literary cultivation.If you can achieve this step, you will surely be able to integrate Chinese and Western styles, connect ancient and modern times, and create newer and more beautiful works.

There is a poem by Zhu Zi, a great Confucian in the Song Dynasty, which I think is very targeted and meaningful. I will copy it for you now: It's easy for young people to learn hard for old people, An inch of time cannot be taken lightly. Unaware of the dream of spring grass in the pond, In front of the steps, the leaves of the sycamore have fallen. This poem not only has educational significance for young people, but also has educational significance for us elderly people.The words are clear and picturesque, without too much explanation.Time, for youth and old age, is fleeting and must be cherished. "An inch of time is an inch of gold, and an inch of gold cannot buy an inch of time", these are two meaningful words left to us by our ancients.

You are now in the "Yanyuan Youmeng", and in front of you is a Yangguan Avenue, a Yangguan Avenue covered with flowers.You have to walk on this road for 60 years, 70 years, 80 years, or more years, and make outstanding contributions to the people and mankind.I hope you will never forget this dream of Yanyuan, and always remember that you are a Peking University native, a proud Peking University native. This name will bring you beautiful memories, infinite courage, and wonder Wisdom, bring you distant vision.With these things, you will be self-improving, invincible, and will not waste your life in vain.This is my hope and my belief.

May 3, 1998