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Chapter 1170: Chapter 1028: I Give You 5 Minutes (Please Subscribe!)
Tang Qing finished speaking.
Suddenly, there was silence among the audience. 𝓃𝓸𝓋𝓹𝓾𝓫.𝒸ℴ𝓶
After a moment, an uproar ensued.
These words,
had implicated many.
But upon careful reflection,
anger and resentment
slowly turned into shame. If someone else had said it, they might have retorted, but Tang Qing, being so much younger and successful, had a different impact.
However,
there were still some who were not convinced and loudly objected, "Tang Qing, what gives you the right to say this? Is it just because you are wealthy?"
After speaking, he stood up straight, ready to face Tang Qing’s counterattack.
However,
Tang Qing was not angry.
Instead, he smiled and said, "This student is commendable, very spirited."
The person was stunned.
What was this about?
Tang Qing was actually praising him. He opened his mouth, but Tang Qing’s words had left him at a loss for words. It had been long since Tang Qing had lost his temper with anyone; how could he be bothered by just a few words?
However,
Tang Qing continued,
giving him another reason to object, "If this spirit were applied in the right way, that would be even better."
The person’s complexion changed, "What gives you the right to say that about us? Going to school, isn’t it just for finding a job and making money, to change society, to change the world? Without basic material support, what do we have to bring about change?"
"This student is a master of sophistry, impressive," Tang Qing gave a thumbs up.
"I’m just stating the facts," the person thought Tang Qing was mocking him, and his face turned red.
Tang Qing admitted, "Yes, what you said is a fact."
"You strive to get a doctorate with the purpose of making money, to make finding a job easier, then, if that’s your initial intention, I can only say: it’s your choice and freedom, and I won’t look down on you."
"But I won’t offer any guidance either; you’re already focused on making money, yet you ask me how to earn it. Isn’t that contradictory? You’re already on the path to making money; I have nothing to say."
"What is the purpose of education?"
"Elementary education is for enlightenment. Higher education is to improve the quality of citizens, and the highest form of higher education, which is a doctorate, aims to cultivate pillars of the nation like Dr. Qian."
"Elementary school, secondary school, university, postgraduate, doctorate, altogether at least twenty years of learning, are not meant to produce individuals who are still confused about their career plans, their future, or who falter under the lure of money, losing the backbone of a scholar. Thank you all."
Having said that,
without waiting for anyone to object,
Tang Qing walked off the stage.
He had no interest in continuing the debate. This matter had no absolute right, he merely hoped from his point of view that some people would engage in meaningful activities.
So many people wish to study but lack the opportunity.
You have reached the highest level of education and still don’t know what you want.
He couldn’t force people to accept his philosophy, nor did he deny that his ideas might seem ’high and mighty’ and ’out of touch’. However, this did not mean he would conceal his views.
He made his point.
That was enough.
On the stage,
Qiu Jie and the school leaders exchanged glances, both visibly pleased. Tang Qing’s words had deeply resonated with them as the older generation who had witnessed the country’s development.
The minds of the students they had nurtured
were filled with thoughts of money.
This left them helpless; the market economy was not to blame, after all, the fundamental human needs for survival and reproduction require resources, but this was not the ultimate goal of their education.
Unexpectedly, Tang Qing had this awareness.
Seeing the somewhat awkward atmosphere,
Qiu Jie took the microphone,
"Tang’s words just now should make us all think deeply, especially his remark that top schools are ’national heavyweights’. We nurture students hoping they can change society, change the world, and drive the progress of civilization. This is our greatest ideal."
"I didn’t expect Tang to have this understanding, and I am very relieved. Thank you for his brilliant speech."
After Qiu Jie finished,
the principal and the other leaders began to applaud first.
The rest of the audience also clapped enthusiastically, many of whom were older-generation scientific researchers and distinguished professors in their fields, who fully agreed with Tang Qing’s statements.
Tang Qing’s words
also brought a moment of realization to many.
Along the way, many had forgotten their original intentions. Work, making money—as important as these things are, if one loses the belief in changing the world, changing society, what difference does a PhD make from a businessman?
Seeing each face, either appreciative or contemplative, Tang Qing smiled faintly; this motivational talk had not been in vain.
...
After the meeting.
Tang Qing’s words
caused quite a stir within the doctoral circles at Fudan University.
Opinions were mixed.
Some thought Tang Qing was speaking without understanding the struggle, as they had worked hard to earn their doctorates just to secure jobs and high salaries — his comment negated their efforts.
Others agreed, claiming if one had attained the highest level of education in a country and consumed significant educational resources, yet only cared about money, it was indeed somewhat mercenary.
The standoff continued.
Eventually, it even spread to postgraduates and undergraduates.
The situation was overwhelmingly one-sided.
It perfectly displayed the notion of "speaking without understanding the struggle." Whether undergraduates or postgraduates, desiring money, jobs, or fame wasn’t wrong; it was understandable.
But you are a doctoral student.
And still arguing with us without any awareness, doesn’t that sound unreasonable?
...
News enthusiasts quickly informed the media. Hearing that Tang Qing had something new to say, which hadn’t been mentioned in previous interviews, they decided to ride the wave of Forbes’ popularity and start a buzz.
Rong Ying even personally called to verify and managed to get a few statements.
Undeniable.
Tang Qing’s words.
By the afternoon, they were news.
"Tang Qing Criticizes Prestigious Universities as ’National Heavy Machinery’"
It was big news.
Featured on the front page of Sina’s portal site, it immediately sparked heated discussions among netizens, mirroring the reaction from the universities. Both sides were represented, but the majority supported him.
The reason remained the same.
Doctorates represented a tiny fraction of the population and were now seen as a ’vulnerable group.’
"Tang Qing is right. After studying for twenty years, they still don’t know what to want or can do, yet they ask others how to find jobs. It’s simply ludicrous."
"Tang Qing has voiced exactly what I feel. The spine of scholars must not break."
"National Heavy Machinery should cultivate pillars of the nation, not just successful businessmen."
"To have such awareness at such a young age is fortunate for our generation."
"..."
Quickly.
The discussion veered off.
It turned into whether doctorates should adhere strictly to stricter admissions and exits to ensure quality, deter those just looking to make quick money, and allow Huaxia’s top educational resources to be fully utilized, etc.
Ultimately.
Seeing this situation.
Tang Qing could only say, "It seems I should not speak carelessly in the future." The words of a public figure had immense influence. If it was the original words, it would be fine but if misinterpreted or taken out of context, clarification would be necessary.
What a hassle.
...
The next day.
Tang Qing’s route to school was once again a spectacle, though not as crowded as the previous days. That’s just how people are. Even with the biggest celebrities, seeing them daily could quickly feel trivial.
This was a good start.
However.
After school in the afternoon.
An unforeseen incident occurred.
He was blocked.
To be precise.
Someone had ’followed’ him.
"Mr. Tang, hello, I am an entrepreneur, my name is Li Zhengming." As they emerged from the school gate, two people caught up, stopped by the fighter, one of them quickly introduced himself.
Tang Qing asked, "What is it?"
"I would like to introduce my project to you, hoping for your guidance," Li Zhengming said humbly.
Tang Qing smiled.
That was put rather euphemistically.
Guidance.
Could also be taken as investment.
Once guided, the project would be associated with Tang Qing.
This way, persuading Tang Qing to invest would be much more likely, or even if Tang Qing didn’t invest, they could claim they had been guided by Tang Qing, potentially attracting other investors.
After thinking it over.
Tang Qing didn’t command the fighter to dismiss them.
This was the first time someone had approached him to introduce a project; it wasn’t easy for them, and listening wouldn’t hurt.
"Alright, I’ll give you five minutes."
