Zhou Guoping delivers a lecture at South University of Science and Technology. Photos from WeChat account "pingshanfb"

Zhou Guoping, director of the Pingshan Library, delivered two lectures at South University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) and Shenzhen Senior High School Group (South Campus) on June 15-16, as part of Pingshan District’s “Books and Pingshan” and “Social Lounge” events.

At SUSTech, the famous philosopher, writer and scholar talked about human dignity and thinking. “Man is but a reed, the most feeble thing in nature; but he is a thinking reed,” Zhou quoted French philosopher Blaise Pascal as saying, emphasizing the significance of thought in human greatness.

The students and faculty were absorbed in ideas and history, and shared their opinions at the talk. “Zhou’s lectures are profound and enlightening, benefiting both students and faculty, which is useful for our research and studies. I like the cultural events organized by Pingshan and hope to experience more of Pingshan’s cultural atmosphere in the future,” said Wu Yuan from the Publicity Department of the School of Medicine at SUSTech.

Zhou Guoping delivers a lecture at South University of Science and Technology.

“Zhou’s sharing has provided new experiences for science and engineering students. Apart from professional skills, gaining more knowledge in humanities is equally important,” said a student surnamed Cai. “I am looking forward to visiting the Pingshan Library with my classmates, and to exploring the cultural charm of Pingshan.”

Li Fengliang, Party chief of SUSTech, said that the lecture further deepens cooperation in cultural construction after SUSTech cooperated with Pingshan District to jointly build the Institute of Biomedicine and jointly opened the Pingshan School affiliated to SUSTech.

At Shenzhen Senior High School Group (South Campus), Zhou shared his views on the humanistic qualities of teachers from the perspectives of intellect, emotion and virtue, and recommended two books, Confucius’ “Analects” and Plato’s “The Republic,” both of which focus on education. He also recommended Rousseau’s “Emile,” Dewey’s “Democracy and Education,” Whitehead’s “The Aims of Education” and Nietzsche’s “On the Future of Our Educational Institutions.”

Zhou Guoping delivers a lecture at Shenzhen Senior High School Group (South Campus).

Li Qiling, a member of the school’s CPC committee and in charge of the South Campus, expressed her admiration for the “Social Lounge” activity organized by the Pingshan Library and was looking forward to cooperation between the school and the library to promote reading.

“Books and Pingshan” and “Social Lounge” are two flagship cultural events presented by Pingshan, focusing on reading and idea sharing. Scholars and writers from across the country, such as Han Shaogong, Ye Zhaoyan and Xu Yangsheng, have been invited to deliver lectures and engage in conversations. The events aim to inspire critical thinking, share wisdom and encourage reading.

This year, Pingshan District has made progress in extending cultural activities in parks, factories, schools and communities. “When cultural activities in Pingshan are extended to more areas, the benefits of the activities will be expanded, and their impact will become even more profound,” said Zhou.