Chapter 50 Remember Mr. Zhang Dainian

I have known Mr. Zhang Dainian for nearly seventy years. In the early 1930s, I was studying at Tsinghua University, where he taught.However, due to their different professions, there was no opportunity to meet each other.I just read articles published by him under the name "Zhang Jitong" from time to time, leaving in my mind the impression of a young and promising scholar, who stayed for 20 years. Time has changed and the world has changed. When we met again, it was already after the adjustment of departments in 1952.At that time, the philosophy departments of universities across the country were merged into Peking University, and Mr. Zhang also came to Peking University because of this.We were Tsinghua alumni back then, and now we are colleagues at Peking University.Still, due to different professions, there are not many contacts at ordinary times. Mr. Zhang was implicated in the Anti-Rightist Movement in 1957, which made me have a special respect for him...

Mr. Zhang is a philosopher, and he has profound attainments in the study of the history of Chinese philosophy. This is the public opinion of the academic circles.Ashamed that I am stupid by nature, and I am not good at doing profound and profound philosophical thinking.Therefore, I dare not praise my husband's academic achievements.Alone, I have admired Mr. for a long time.He rewards young students, loves students, has a great sense of justice, does not flatter anyone, is dignified and upright, never puts on airs, and always treats people equally.Concentrating so many excellent qualities in one person, coupled with the fact that he is truly indifferent to fame and fortune, and only studies and does business, is really a model for today's scholars.

"The benevolent man lives long." Mr. Dai Nian is a man of benevolence and a man of longevity.I have a habit of reading: whether I am reading academic history or literary history, the first thing I pay attention to is the dates of birth and death of Chinese and foreign scholars and writers.I was surprised to find that among the famous scholars or writers at home and abroad in ancient times, there were very few people who lived to the top.Like Tagore's 80, Goethe's 83, Tolstoy's 82, they are as rare as a feather.Most of the great scholars and writers who are famous throughout the ages lived to be in their fifties or sixties.Now, we have "changed the world", and many scholars have lived to a very old age, such as Mr. Feng Youlan, Mr. Liang Shuming, etc. have lived past 90.Mr. Feng has two words: "It's not just rice, but tea." "Mi" is 88 years old, and "tea" is 108 years old.Now, Mr. Zhang has passed Mishou for two years, and Chashou for 18 years.Judging from his current health condition, Mr. Feng's unfulfilled last wish must be fulfilled by Mr. Zhang.If Mr. Zhang can achieve the tea birthday, it will be the happiness of all of us. "Bizhang plays Tongming Palace at night, begging for eighteen springs for Mr. Zhang."

January 10, 1999