Bulletin Vol. 6 No. 3 Nov–Dec 1969

2- A group of undergraduates of United College of The Chinese Universit y of Hong Kong undertook a survey of the living conditions of sampan families in Aplichau . 3. Another student grou p of Shaukiwan Technical School completed a survey of 43 multi-storey buildings in the Shaukiwan area. The surveys were designed to be more than mere fact-finding exercises. Th e various organizations and Government departments concerned shoul d find the data assembled by these student groups to be quite useful. With this new spirit of social awareness, these young people will be bette r informed and more enlightened tha n their earlier counterparts. As they gro w up, "they will show a better understanding of our perennial problems and not be complacent i n seeking solutions". Hong Kong students have undertaken more surveys than the three mentioned above. In fact, they have taken part in many other meaningful projects to help the community. All of these ar e an indication of an important development—the age of indifference on the part of the student is over. The student cares for the community. He has come to realize that the ultimate objective of education is not merely to find an ideal job for himself after graduation. He is no longer preoccupied solely with making a better living, but with the quality of life. A t the same time the community cares for the students. The feeling is mutual. This ca n be seen from the fact that the public is making more and more demands for improvement of educationa l institutions and the welfar e of the students. People have begun to realize that it i s not enough for a student to obtain good marks in his studies. H e must also possess a sense of dedication, a purpose in life and civic pride. He must understand that it is his duty to serve his own people. What have the students said about these developments—in their own words? One of the students commented: "In recent years, it has dawned on the post-secondary students that to be a book-worm, to burn midnight oil, is no longer desirable; it is the wrong approach to the exciting process of learning." Anothe r student remarked: "Students have finally emerged from the ivory t owe r . " The se remarks reflec t the way of thinking now prevalent among students. It is t o their credit that they are also practising what they believe. The reference to the term"ivorytower"requires some attention. Over the past few decades, in the West and especially in China, the term "ivory t owe r " has through misassociation becom e synonymous with "escapism". In poin t of fact, "ivory tower" is a term of religious origin. It means that an individual elects periodicall y to retreat from the crowd and lead a more secluded life in order to devote himself to contemplation . What "ivory tower" should properly connote, therefore, i s meditation rather than "escapism". Ther e is nothing derogative about this term. Unfortunately, it ha: become the vogue to criticize and belittle "ivor y tower" as inaction. Fo r example, it has beer pointed out that "Goethe gave all his life to literature, but never lifted a finger to help a human cause". This apparent condemnation needs not be taken as such. Goethe, after all, was the greatest German poet of his time and an eminent scientist in his own right. Meditation implies self-examination o n the one hand and independent thinkin g on the other. In China an ancient sage recommends a daily self- examination as the wa y toward attaining maturity of mind and personality. If a person reasons calmly and deliberately, he naturally becomes objective and sober. He does not rush into decisions impulsively on the spur of the moment. In the process of deliberation, he learns t o analyze, to deduct and synthesize and finally to reach conclusions that are best for himself and the community. We all know that some of the artists, writers, philosophers and scientists have don e their best creative work in their "ivory towers". Nevertheless , it would be against the main current of history to propose that we go back to th e "ivory tower" and lead essentially lives of meditation. It would b e more pertinent to poin t out the importance of a well-balanced mentality. Action without the guidance of reason does not lead to constructive results. That is why I am very happy today to officiate at the opening ceremony of this Seminar being conducted by the Hon g Kong Federation of Students. Since the Seminar will deal with "The Role of the Hong Kong Federation of Students",you will undoubtedly discuss various problems concerne d with your present and future and, in the process , accomplish a useful self-examination. I a m convinced that this Seminar will eventuate in a new synthesis which will facilitate the blending of theory and practice and action and purpose. From this you should gain a deeper insight into your responsibility and your future role in the community. Please accept my best wishes for the success of this Seminar. — 9 —