By Zhou Xingzi

On July 11st, Professor Zhou Shifan, who taught at Xi’an International Studies University, was invited to give the students of the SFL a lecture entitled The Chinese Dream and Positive Energy in Liyun A102.

Professor Zhou first of all analyzed the implications of the Chinese dream. He pointed out that no matter how much one has experienced in his life, it is always about seeing, analyzing, judging and choosing. The whole process for a person to grow up is actually the process of learning how to see, analyze, judge and choose in a right way, which will be important to social value as a whole. He also encouraged the students to learn to explore their wisdom and be more creative, not to be just satisfied with their personal strength and knowledge.

As regards positive energy, Professor Zhou concluded that it is a basic element to create a harmonious and progressive society, which could also promote civilization. As a professor specializing in ancient Chinese classics, Professor Zhou quoted many classical stories and put forth some principles of nurturing positive energy as well. For instance, in the story of Wang Mian, he asked students to be diligent. He believed that a smart brain does not mean everything; what’s more important is hard work. From all the illuminating stories, the students had a better understanding of positive energy, i. e., it consists off different moralities and principles.

As to how to realize the Chinese Dream, Professor Zhou emphasized that 2020 and 2050 would be two important years. He asked students to take the opportunity, bear the dream in their mind and work hard. No matter how difficult it is, one should experience the true meaning of the Chinese dream and find his own dream. Professor Zhou concluded by saying, “Do not give up before the sun rises.”

The students were greatly impressed by Professor Zhou’s well-organized structure of a speech, a detailed illustration of examples, and his sense of humor.