Speech at the 69th Congregation for the Conferment of Degrees
University Mall, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
1 December 2011
My Parting Words to the Graduates
This morning when I flipped through the programme of our degree conferring ceremony
and glanced through your names, I laid my hands on the list and prayed for each and
every one of you.
I pray that after you leave school, you will live a life that is worth living. You may ask:
What is a life that is worth living?
First, live a simple life. Having gone through your studies and curricula in the past three
to five years, you are now equipped with ample knowledge and professional skills. I am
sure you will start a splendid career. Let me remind you that happiness has nothing to do
with money and material wealth. A cozy home, simple clothing and healthy meals are the
best you can ask for. Living a simple life instead of craving for luxury is more likely to
give you unspeakable satisfaction.
Second, live a noble life. The dark sides of our society are many: unfairness, exploitation,
deception, to name a few. I urge you to honour your alma mater by carrying yourself in a
dignified way. Take no advantage of the under-privileged and be fair to everyone. Do no
harm to yourself and to others. A noble life is one with a clear conscience, an abidance by
justice and an uncompromised standard in morality. It is a rewarding life.
Third, live a humble life. Humble as a servant to serve the others as needed. Always think
of the betterment of the society, our nation and mankind as a whole. A humble person
does not insist on his own view, but listen to the others with an open mind. A great
person does not always look up to the summit of the highest mountain, but kneel down to
wash the feet of his brothers.
If you can live a noble, simple and humble life, you will have a fulfilled life. You will
love your family, cherish your friends and take good care of your own health. You will
ask NOT what your Society can do for you, but what you CAN do for your Society.
I believe that the success of university education should not be measured by the monthly
income of her graduates, or by the kind of cars they drive, the boats they sail, but by the
impact and contributions to mankind they’ve made. You will be representing CUHK
wherever you go. Be a real CUer and make us proud.
My sons and daughters, when I read your names, I pray that you will live a life that is
worth living.
Speech from: http://www.cpr.cuhk.edu.hk/en/events_recap_detail.php?id=44