Symposium held to commemorate birth of Xu Zhongshu

A symposium was held to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the birth of Xu Zhongshu, from Oct 20 to 21, at Sichuan University. [Photo provided to China Daily]

An international symposium was held to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the birth of famous historian Xu Zhongshu, from Oct 20 to 21, at Sichuan University.

The symposium aims to cherish the great achievements of Xu and further summarize and carry forward his academic thoughts.

Scholars from universities and research institutes such as the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Fudan University, Wuhan University, and Sichuan University made 13 reports during the event, and conducted in-depth discussions on the academic fields that Xu mainly studied, including pre-Qin history, ancient Chinese characters, and Bashu culture. Bashu refers to an area that mainly covers today's Sichuan province and Chongqing municipality.

Xu was student of Wang Guowei and Liang Qichao, masters of Chinese culture. He was hired as a professor at Sichuan University in 1938, and then taught at the university for his whole lifetime.

He is considered as one of the best experts in Chinese ancient history and ancient Chinese characters. The Oracle Bone Dictionary edited by him is considered to be an epoch-making masterpiece in the history of oracle bones.

"The commemoration for Mr Xu reminds us to carry forward his academic thoughts,” said Tan Jihe, president of Sichuan Historical Society.

Tan said he learned about the importance of the “beginner's mind" from his teacher Xu, which means to stick to academic studies with conscience, patience and perseverance, regardless of the time background or social condition.

Zhao Shichao, professor and former president of Shaanxi Normal University, said the symposium offers a great opportunity to recall Mr.Xu's life and inspires us to continue with the study of Chinese history and culture.