TEM-8 2004
I guess many people would agree with you on that point. University education should focus on both personal and professional development of students. But still some might believe there is a definite place for education in a broader sense - that is, in personal intellectual development. No doubt about that. We need people who will think about the future, about the past, and also people who will think about society. If a society doesn't have philosophers, or people who think about the value of life, it's a very sad society indeed. Professor Wang, my last question: do you see any common ground in education between your generation and the young generation now? Adapting to new challenges is perhaps the true cornerstone of our generation's legacy to education. And the future of education in a country rests not so much on the construction of better buildings, labs, etc. but in the development of an ever-adaptable mind. That's true. The essence of education is the education of the mind. Okay, thank you very much, Professor Wang, for talking to us on the show about the changing trends in education. You're welcome.