In 2024, Shi Bing, known as one of the longest-living figures in Asia, passed away at the age of 113. Shi Bing, who served as the Secretary-General of the College of Agriculture in Beijing and the East China Normal University, was a symbol of education and politics in China. Despite the challenges he faced throughout his life, his love for life and science remained strong. In this article, we will take a glimpse into the eventful life of Shi Bing, from his academic achievements to his views on education and the legacy he left for his grandchildren, especially his grandson Shi Yi Gong, who founded Xihu University. We will delve into the details of his unique personality and a journey spanning over a century, influenced by the cultural and political climate in China.
The Longevity Story of Shi Bing
Shi Bing passed away in 2024 at the age of 113, earning the title of “Asian Longevity Elder.” His longevity not only reflects a commitment to a healthy lifestyle but also represents the struggle and hope of a new era. Shi Bing’s life was full of hardships and challenges, and his life trajectory also carried countless historical fragments and marks of different eras. The secret to Shi Bing’s longevity lies in his positive attitude towards life, rich social interactions, and unrelenting passion for learning. Even at the age of 104, he maintained a love for food, sneaking out to enjoy fried chicken and cola without his family’s notice, which reflected his enthusiasm and enjoyment of life.
Shi Bing’s good fortune was also attributed to his family support. He strongly supported his grandson Shi Yi Gong in founding Xihu University and sent books to encourage him, showcasing the spiritual interaction and inheritance that reflects Shi Bing’s care and expectations as an elder. With the warm support of his family, Shi Bing was able to reasonably cope with the vicissitudes of life, thus maintaining physical and mental vitality in the torrent of history. As the years passed, he strongly advocated for a healthy lifestyle, maintained regular exercise, and at his 103rd birthday, he was still active in social occasions. This positive outlook on life played a catalytic role in his longevity.
In addition to diet and exercise, Shi Bing’s longevity was also inseparably linked to his rich inner world. After retirement, he continued to have a thirst for knowledge, often reading various books and even keeping up with modern technological developments. This lifelong passion for learning and openness to new things may be one of the key reasons for his longevity. Meanwhile, his optimistic spirit and broad-mindedness allowed him to maintain a positive attitude in the face of life’s ups and downs, enabling him to adapt better to different environments.
Shi Bing’s Educational Philosophy and Influence
Shi Bing’s educational career began in 1953 when he took on leadership roles at Beijing Agricultural University, later moving to East China Normal University. At these two important academic institutions, he was not only a promoter of educational work but also a practitioner of numerous educational reforms. During his tenure at Beijing Agricultural University, he faced conflicts among different factions within the school, proposing the concepts of academic freedom and respect, promoting the stable development of the school through the reasonable coordination of different academic viewpoints. He believed that the complex situation in academia should be resolved through dialogue and respect rather than simply suppressing it with administrative orders; this forward-looking thought was particularly valuable in that environment.
Shi Bing allowed multiple academic schools to coexist at Beijing Agricultural University, enhancing the academic depth and breadth of the school. At his suggestion, the university established two genetics professor groups, encouraging academic exchanges and explorations, which formed a positive academic atmosphere. This decision not only improved the academic abilities of students but also laid the foundation for the school’s overall development. In 1956, he proposed that teachers actively participate in scientific research, establishing a research department to attract more professors to join research teams, thereby initiating a series of targeted research projects.
At East China Normal University, Shi Bing inherited and carried forward this philosophy, working to right wrongs and restore the legitimate rights of teachers and students. He firmly believed that education should be people-oriented and emphasized individual development. His proposed comprehensive development philosophy of “moral education, intellectual education, physical education, group education, and aesthetic education” infused the school’s education with new vitality, cultivating generations of outstanding talents. The democratic election of vice-principals in the school also set an example for other universities, with Shi Bing leading by example, pushing through reforms and continuously advancing East China Normal University amid the waves of reform.
Shi Bing’s educational achievements and reforms have received widespread recognition and are deeply rooted in the hearts of generations of teachers and students. His efforts in educational system reform during his tenure achieved significant results, promoting the democratization of the school and promoting the vigorous development of education through good communication among individuals. He firmly believed that the essence of education lies in human development, and good education should align with societal needs, enabling students to play a greater role in future society.
Shi Bing’s Connection with Society
Shi Bing’s influence extended beyond the school itself, as he actively participated in social affairs. In 1978, he was transferred to the Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress Standing Committee, continuing to contribute to the development of the country and society. During this period, he combined his educational philosophy with social practice, focusing on social development and changes. While promoting social progress, he advocated for public participation in various affairs, reflecting his firm belief in democracy and the rule of law. He emphasized professional spirit while being aware of the connections between society, economy, and culture, providing a more comprehensive perspective on education in the new era of China.
Shi Bing’s focus was not only on the transmission of knowledge but also on how to apply what was learned in practice. As an educator, he actively called for intellectuals to assume social responsibility, emphasizing the exploration and reflection of social issues. He believed that education should not only cultivate academic talents but also nurture talents that meet the needs of social development. After experiencing many storms, Shi Bing still adhered to the mission and original intention of education, cherishing the emotional ties with students and colleagues, providing important support for the development of the education事业。
In an increasingly rapidly changing society, Shi Bing’s philosophy and practice opened a window for subsequent teaching and reform. He maintained an optimistic and positive attitude, believing that regardless of how times change, education should be a driving force for social progress. Under his influence, the hope that university education would become an engine for social change continues to inspire future educators, paving the way for the growth of a new generation.
Source link: http://xinhanet.com/thread-36288-1-1.html
AI was used ezycontent
Leave a Reply