思贤庭

A ripple of water, a whisper of wisdom. That’s the essence of the SiZhiTang courtyard at ShanghaiTech University. Here, amidst the modern buildings of a cutting-edge institution, lies a space designed for reflection, a nod to the ancient Confucian principles of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness. SiZhiTang, meaning “courtyard of four virtues,” isn’t just a pretty space. It’s a living embodiment of these five constants, encouraging students to strive for higher moral ideals. The water flowing through the courtyard echoes a passage from the Confucian Analects: “The wise find pleasure in water; the benevolent find pleasure in mountains.” The apricot trees nearby symbolize the apricot terrace where Confucius himself taught, drawing parallels between the pursuit of knowledge then and now. SiZhiTang’s creation in November 2013 wasn’t accidental. It was a deliberate choice, a conscious decision to weave tradition into the fabric of a modern university. The courtyard stands as a testament to ShanghaiTech’s commitment to nurturing not only brilliant minds but also virtuous characters. Zhang Zhiguo, the artist behind SiZhiTang, envisioned a space where students could find respite from the demands of academic life, a place where they could contemplate the values that underpin a meaningful existence. As you stand here, surrounded by the gentle murmur of water and the rustling leaves of the apricot trees, take a moment to reflect on your own values. Let SiZhiTang inspire you to pursue not just knowledge, but wisdom; not just success, but righteousness; not just achievement, but benevolence.