Bulletin Spring‧Summer 2001

He makes no secret o f how he can achieve such distinction: academic research is never a dull thing, and originality is all important in writing. Indeed Prof. Fei writes wit h a natural elegance, and his vivid style is very close to that of the Song Dynasty scholar and poet Su Shi. Prof. Fei is much loved fo r his sincerity and affable manners. A grand ol d man in national affairs and full of years and honours, he has held many important appointments. He was vice- president of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, and vice-chairman o f the Drafting Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kon g Special Administrative Regio n of the People's Republic of China. A t present he is the honorary chairman of the Central Committee of the China Democratic League. Yet he is a modest, approachable person, who claims that his learning has come from the grass-roots and the soil. A l l his life he has sought to contribute t o the motherland by offering his utmost in ‘passion, wisdom, responsibility, and diligence'. His aim is prosperity for the country and its people. Wi th neither reproach nor regret he makes a lifelong journey towards that lofty goal. While he started on an uneasy path, the way has gradually become smooth for him, one that eventually leads on to a broad highway of success. What really distinguishes Prof. Fei from ordinary men is his vitality and creativity which, like a living fountain, flows abundantly. I t is his opinion that everyone must set his goal in life and strive vigorously for its attainment. Otherwise, one would be wasting one's life. It is with this disposition that Prof. Fei pursues his studies. He has a genuine love for truth and seeks it diligently and courageously. His relentless effort in dedicating his wisdom and knowledge to the cause of national prosperity is much admired by all who know him. Prof. Fei, acknowledging that life is limited but culture is everlasting, puts it succinctly in his New Words at Ninety. He says that new thoughts and ideas should be encouraged and that a new orientation must be found for our cultural development. Prof. Fei has a long association with The Chinese University of Hong Kong. He has visited the University many times since the 1980s to preside at seminars and to take part i n other events for cultural exchange. I n 1983’ he spoke at the Conference on Modernization and Chinese Culture which marked the University's 20th anniversary. Then in 1988, when the University celebrated its 25th anniversary, he gave a public lecture in the Tanner Series. I n 1994, Prof. Fei came to Shaw College as the Sir Run Ru n Shaw Distinguished Visiting Scholar of th e year. In 1998, at the invitation of Chung Chi College and the Sociology Department, lie gave lectures on campus as a visiting scholar to the college sponsored by the K.C . Wong Foundation. I n all these years Prof. Fei has been a tower of strength helping to advance the study of sociology and anthropolog y at this university. Mr. Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Fei Xiaotong has travelled the globe, the benefit of his writings has been felt throughout the academic world, and the purity of his heart illuminates the hearts of multitudes of lesser mortals. He is a pillar o f our society, a great scholar, and one whose achievements contribute tremendousl y to the common good. May I therefore present Prof. Fei Xiaotong to you, Mr. Vice-Chancellor, for th e award of the degree o f Doctor o f Social Science, honoris causa. Chinese Universit y Bulleti n Sprin g • Summer 2 0 00