Culture is like water, silently nourishing and permeating.
The Book of Changessays,“When a dragon appears in the fields, there will be peace and prosperity throughout the world,” explaining the origin of civilization, and“observing human culture to transform the world,” explaining the power of culture.
On the afternoon of April 8th, Vice Secretary Zhou Zhensong of the Party Committee of Shantou University held a special lecture on“The Power and Confidence of Excellent Chinese Culture” in the multifunctional hall on the second floor of Esther Hall, hosted by Dean Cai Yinghui.
(Group Photo)
“Understanding Chinese civilization and culture, deepening our understanding of Chinese culture, can improve our ability to discern ideological issues and critically absorb the achievements of different civilizations.”
This lecture is not only about the inheritance of Chinese culture, but also about appreciating the beauty of culture. Let’s take a look back together!
Chinese civilization is the accumulation of civilization genes at different historical stages, handed down from generation to generation, and ultimately converging into the great Chinese civilization. Chinese civilization is like a mighty river, originating from the top of the mountains, spanning thousands of years with a clear flow into today’s society, silently nourishing and permeating.
The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, the ancient“wise men”, sowed the seeds of civilization. Youchao-shi opened up the culture of Chinese architecture, realizing the dream of“I want a home” for Chinese ancestors. Suiren-shi opened up the culture of Chinese cuisine...
Ancient worship embodies the worldview of the ancients and permeates Chinese culture, still affecting our lives today... “Dragon and Phoenix bring prosperity” originates from“dragon and phoenix worship,” and“dragon and phoenix culture” brings the thundering of horses across the desert and the waves of rice paddies in the north and south.
Secretary Zhou said:“Ancient worship is full of wisdom and hidden genes of the Chinese nation's endless vitality...”
(Vice Secretary Zhou Zhensong of the Party Committee of Shantou University)
Chinese civilization is the only ancient civilization that has continued to develop and be passed down to the present day, out of the four great ancient civilizations in human history. It has gone through thousands of years, and its grand foundation and rich charm still make people fascinated and moved. As Secretary Zhou said, the Chinese cultural tradition has been continuous and enduring, like the Great Wall that stands tall and unyielding... In the past 100 years, the development and progress of archaeological technology have continuously refreshed the time and connotation of Chinese civilization.
(Audiences)
“The greatness of Chinese civilization mainly lies in the significant contributions that it has made to the progress of human civilization!”
“As spring sowing yields a single grain, autumn harvest brings in ten thousand.” As one of the three birthplaces of agricultural civilization, China has made outstanding contributions to the development of world agricultural civilization, especially in the spread of rice and millet, providing weapons to combat hunger for the world and awarding a“civilization certificate”.
The three major commodities have become popular worldwide, with silk being praised as the“gorgeous dawn of the East”; tea has changed the lifestyle of Europeans; and porcelain is viewed as a symbol of wealth. The four great inventions have rewritten the world, with the invention of paper paving the way for human civilization; printing lighting up the light of humanity; gunpowder ushering in the machine age; and the compass making the world a“global village”.
Traditional Chinese medicine and Chinese herbal medicine have benefited the world, saving Europe from the ravages of smallpox in the 17th century... Traditional Chinese medicine embodies the wisdom of Chinese people's daily lives and their philosophy of life.
Traditional Chinese opera, music and dance are telling Chinese culture. Secretary Zhou explained the meaning of“Chu waist” and played a video of the dance“Night Banquet in Tang Palace”, which was inspired by the Tang Dynasty tomb figurines and embodies the splendid Chinese civilization... He also cleared up cultural misunderstandings, such as“witches” were talented and beautiful“goddesses” in ancient times, not a synonym for“evil.”
There are also wonderful brushwork and calligraphy, poetry and essays, and Confucianism that has been passed down for generations...
Chinese civilization is a dazzling pearl of human civilization. Originating from the ancient Chinese civilization, hidden within it are the genetic codes and values of the Chinese nation’s steady progress and inheritance, guiding the footsteps of the Chinese people to face difficulties and move forward bravely.
(Audience who raise question)
“Studying history increases our faith and using history as a mirror allows us to learn from the past. The excellent culture of China is the foundation of our confidence as Chinese people.” Across five thousand years and ninety thousand li (500 meters), we know where we come from and have a clear direction for the future. Cultural self-confidence is the backbone of the Chinese nation in the new era. We, as Chinese people, should maintain a peaceful and confident mindset, recognize ourselves and learn from others with dignity. We should draw spiritual strength from the excellent traditional culture of China, firmly uphold our beliefs, innovate our thinking, broaden our horizons, cultivate self-discipline and virtues, and work tirelessly to realize the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation!
(Audience)
