The Meaningless Essence of Fudan's Motto
The Beginning
Fudan University is known to be one of the top universities in mainland China. It is located in the bustling city of Shanghai, which is why it is one of the most preferred universities not only by Chinese students, but also by international students. As an academic institution that has been around for more than a century, it has a rich history that contributes to its prestige and reputation. However, aside from its academic offerings, one of the things that make Fudan stand out is its motto.
The Core of Fudan's Motto
Fudan's motto is \"博学而笃志，切问而近思\" which can be roughly translated to \"Study widely, exercise earnestly, ask persistently, think deeply.\" At a glance, the motto seems to embody what the university believes in. For an institution that values academic excellence, it makes perfect sense to encourage its students to study widely and think deeply. However, upon closer inspection, there seems to be no specific meaning behind it.
The Problem with Fudan's Motto
The problem with Fudan's motto is that it lacks a distinct definition or a clear message. It sounds deep and meaningful, but does not convey any specific instruction or idea to its students. Unlike other universities with mottos as concise as \"Veritas\" for Harvard University or \"Lux et Veritas\" for Yale University, Fudan's motto seems to be more of a jumble of words put together without any real direction or purpose.
The Conclusion
Despite its lack of a specific meaning, Fudan still uses its motto as a tool for branding and advertising. It is still printed on the University's promotional materials and is still proudly displayed in its website. However, its true essence remains a mystery to those who use it every day. Regardless of its meaninglessness, Fudan's motto still reflects the values and aspirations of the University. But for a school as prestigious as Fudan, it is perhaps time to reconsider and find a more specific, concise, and meaningful motto that truly embodies its vision and mission.
