Chapter 16 Respect for teachers

"Book of Rites·Xue Ji" said: "The way to learn is to be strict with the teacher. The teacher is strict, and then the Tao is respected; the Tao is respected, and then the people know and respect the school." Zheng Xuan's note: "Strictness means respect. Respecting the teacher is important." Since then, the phrase "respect the teacher and respect the way" has been widely popular in the land of China.This does reflect an aspect of the excellent culture of the Chinese nation, not just in words. Mr. Chen Yinke, the former teacher, said in "Mr. Wang Guantang's Elegy Preface": "The definition of my Chinese culture is based on the theory of the three cardinal principles and six disciplines in "Bai Hu Tong". dos." One of the "Six Disciplines" is the teacher.It can be seen that respecting teachers also belongs to the highest realm of abstract ideals, and is an integral part of the excellent cultural traditions of the Chinese nation, which must not be taken lightly.

I am not saying that Western countries do not respect teachers.However, compared with China, it seems like a small shaman sees a big shaman, and there is nothing wrong with it.Therefore, if anyone wants to find a big country that respects teachers, he must come to China. The tradition of respecting teachers and teaching has been passed down in China for thousands of years.During the ten years of unprecedented catastrophe, it was devastated.After rectifying the chaos, although it has recovered somewhat, it is no longer what it used to be.A person who is eager to learn and think deeply is concerned about the future of our country's cultural and educational development, and he is worried about it.

Now, Mr. Tong Zongsheng has edited this book "The Most Admirable Person-Principal of Chinese University Recalling His Mentor".Although this can only be said to be one aspect of respecting teachers, its significance must not be underestimated.If I say that Mr. Tong Zongsheng has a little bit of "turning the tide", I'm afraid this is definitely not an exaggeration.I believe that people of insight across the country, who recognize the necessity of respecting teachers, who care about the development of Chinese culture and education, and who are determined to promote the excellent Chinese culture, will welcome this book.It is with pleasure and longing, therefore, that I write this short preface.

June 30, 1993 (This article is the preface to the book "The Most Admirable Person - Chinese University President Recalling His Teacher")