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Open letter from President Lin: What are you coming for?
May 17, 2015
Peking University, May 17, 2015: On May 16, Peking University President Lin Jianhua wrote an open letter to all candidates of the 2015 National College Entrance Examination.

Released via the official WeChat account of Peking University Office of Admissions (gotopku1898) and entitled What are you coming for? President Lin’s letter urged prospective students to think about their actual aims when they apply for Peking University, in an attempt to attract more talents to the school. Here is the letter in full, translated into English.

Universities are the lighthouses of human civilization. Modern universities came to prominence over a hundred years ago in China, and they quickly became a vital force creating  knowledge, encouraging thoughts, propelling society forward and revitalizing our ancient country. Among them, Peking University was certainly the most representative one. As China’s first national comprehensive university, Peking University has always knit itself closely to the fate of our country and nation. She occupies an irreplaceable position in the history of Chinese modern education, science and culture. She also adopts an open attitude towards diverse civilizations, bridging national and external cultures for mutual understanding and learning.

Peking University is the spiritual homeland that has mesmerized generations of Chinese intellectuals. Today, with all the youthfulness and vitality, you are facing your first truly crucial decision in your life. When you make a choice, I hope that you not only look upwards at Peking University with admiration, but also walk onto her campus, read into her tradition and imbibe her spirit. I also hope that before you make up your mind, ask yourself: What am I coming for? This is probably a more important question than how to make a choice. Here, I would like to share with you some of my thoughts on this question.

Please come for truth. The most cherished spirit embodied on PKU students is their longing for truth from the deepest of their souls. Accompanied   by truth, we will eradicate ignorance and discrimination, and we will have no fear of authority and injustice. This will allow the lives of all students to glow with the spectacle of freedom. Peking University has always fought for the dignity of academics. Democracy and science are the core values of her spirit. This kind of pure and honest academic spirit has endowed every student immersed in it with the confidence and courage to proudly stand up in this world. To choose Peking University is to choose to listen to the calling of truth for a lifetime without regret, and to stand by the power of belief. Your life in search of truth thus begins.

Please come for innovation. Lu Xun once said, "Peking University is constantly innovating. She is at the forefront of reforms, and she wants to guide China towards a good, upward path."  Peking University used to be at the center of the New Culture Movement, and she was the cradle of the May Fourth Movement. From that time on, people at Peking University have always stood at the apex of time, and they have been leading the tide of reforms. They believe in integrity – they have traditionally walked a virtuous path and led a life of honor. They also prioritize "innovation". They are courageous enough to be the first, and they keep the passion burning in pursuit  of inventions, new thoughts and the idealism of new things, new thoughts and  new age. Innovative while adhering to justice and equality, this is the path chosen by all people at Peking University.

Please come for dreams.
In the hearts of youths, a desire for the unknown world and a longing for a glorious future must be ever present. Although university is only a phase of one’s lifetime journey, it will inevitably leave a deep imprint on it. Peking University is the place for you to conceive your future blueprints. The mission of all the faculties here is to ignite your potential, inspire your talent and elevate you towards the zenith of your life – the realization of your dream. Also, the shaping of a person by a university not only rests upon passing on knowledge, but also upon the inheritance of culture and spirit. Peking University boasts top quality faculties, first-class disciplines and a beautiful campus, as well as a tolerant, free and pluralistic atmosphere. She has the ability to provide you with the broadest platform to develop your personal interests and perfect your personality. She would help you to become a noble, responsible and knowledgeable person with strength and character.

My dear students, after you have contemplated and deliberated your choice and have worked hard to achieve your Peking University Dream, I will look forward to your arrival with the utmost pleasure. I firmly believe that your choice will give you a teenage life with no regrets, and Peking University is more than willing to create brand new history with all of you.

Best wishes. Peking University welcomes you with open arms.
  

Lin Jianhua




Translation and reporting done by: Liangdi Xu
Edited by: Shengnan Yan


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