Professor Deng Yongzhong from Jinan University Shared Lao Tzu’s Philosophy

The International School of Huashang College cordially welcomed Professor Deng Yongzhong from Jinan University to lecture on the contemporary value of Lao Tzu’s philosophy. The lecture was held in the Lizhi Building, on October 22nd, 2019. It was the 10th lecture of the Cultural Quality Lecture Series. The attendees included all the international students and other students interested in the topic.

Mr. Deng serves as an Associate Professor at Jinan University holding a Master’s in British and American Literature. He has been engaged in higher education for nearly 30 years and was involved in setting up the International School of Jinan University where all the courses are taught in English. He holds the posts of Party Secretary and Vice-Dean of the International School of Jinan University. Deng has a deep passion for teaching and researching Chinese Traditional Culture and College English. His course An Introduction to Chinese Traditional Culture taught in English to international students at Jinan University was selected as one of the National Brand Courses and certified as a high-quality course by the Ministry of Education. He has received many major awards, such as the second prize at the 13th Chinese Multimedia Courseware Contest, the second prize of the 7th Teaching Achievement in Guangdong Province, and the first prize of the 7th Teaching Achievement in Jinan University. He has lead scientific research and educational reform projects, including the National Social Science Fund and the Teaching Quality Project of Guangdong Province. In addition, he has published numerous academic papers in Chinese and English.

The lecture consisted of three aspects: the biography of Lao Tzu, Lao Tzu’s philosophy and the contemporary value of Lao Tzu’s philosophy.

Lao Tzu is a famous philosopher in the Spring and Autumn Period and the founder of Taoism; his work Tao Te Ching also named Lao Zi is regarded as a masterpiece. It’s an important book on philosophy and leadership, which has exerted great impact on the posterity of China. In this lecture, Professor Deng put emphasis on some representative thoughts of Lao Tzu; such as water’s gentleness and flexibleness, overcoming firmness by gentleness and the best kindness of water. These philosophical ideas have brought dramatic influence to the development of individuals, society, as well as China.

To start the lecture, Professor Deng quoted from Lao Tzu to inspire the audience to develop three sorts of character traits: benevolence, frugality and modesty without contention.

Then, Professor Deng analyzed the application of Lao Tzu’s philosophy in governing conceptions of constructing socialism with Chinese characteristics. For instance, President Xi Jinping has quoted Lao Tzu’s philosophical ideas at crucial moments in time.

In Lao Tzu’s opinion, a large country should embrace its close neighbors and distant friends in modest and friendly attitude. Professor Deng explained China as a large country with a long history of being friendly. Under the positive influence of Lao Tzu’s thoughts, China has built strong relationships with neighboring countries and increasingly strengthened its communication and cooperation with other countries. At the same time, China has adopted different ways from its neighbors and treats other countries equally in an objective way.

This lecture attracted a considerable number of students with all seats occupied. Even the students sitting on the floor concentrated on the lecture. In the Q&A part, students actively put forward their questions and opinions and Professor Deng explained patiently.

Professor Deng’s speech demonstrated the profound connotations of Lao Tzu’s philosophy and the considerable impact of Lao Tzu’s philosophy on the development of the individual and the Chinese nation. When appreciating the charm of Lao Tzu’s philosophy and even the Chinese traditional culture, all of us are supposed to not only clearly realize their indelible contemporary value but also carry forward and develop them.

In closing, Dean Yu made conclusions and comments on the lecture. She considered Professor Deng as both a practitioner of Lao Tzu’s thoughts and an excellent teacher with integrity and ability who deserves respect and emulation from all the audience. Dean Yu wished this lecture will inspire and enlighten students on their study, work and even life in the future. This lecture ended in a round of applause respecting Professor Deng’s presentation.