Summary of Key Points
This commentary clarifies the rumors that circulated online after Wang Hong and Deng Yu were awarded the Fields Medal, such as “no one at Peking University’s School of Mathematics wrote a recommendation letter for Wang Hong” and “Peking University suppresses talented individuals.” It argues that these claims are part of a fabricated narrative of “talented individuals being neglected,” driven by the logic of generating online traffic. The commentary emphasizes that the success of these two mathematicians stems from their talent, perseverance, and the foundational education provided by Peking University, rather than any notion of “revenge.” It also acknowledges that there is room for improvement in the academic environment for basic disciplines but opposes distorting the issues into conspiracy theories.
1. The Rumor about Recommendation Letters: Multiple Teachers Contributed
The claim that “no one at Peking University’s School of Mathematics was willing to write a recommendation letter for Wang Hong, and she only got help from Teacher Lei Jun from another department” is completely false. Professor Rao Yi from Peking University revealed that, in addition to Lei Jun, Wang Fu Zheng and Wang Li Zhong from the School of Mathematics also wrote recommendation letters for her. Wang Fu Zheng was her teacher of advanced algebra, while Wang Li Zhong guided her undergraduate research projects. These letters clearly recognized her academic potential. The rumor intentionally ignores the support from the teachers at the School of Mathematics, focusing only on the teacher from another department to create an illusion of indifference.
2. Why Do Such Dramatic Narratives Spread? The Logic of Generating Traffic
Stories of “talented individuals being suppressed and then rescued by kind benefactors” are more compelling than the seemingly mundane news of “Peking University graduates winning awards.” From a communication perspective, stories of “heroes being wronged” attract much more attention than those of “heroes returning to success.” Some people deliberately exaggerate these tragic narratives to generate traffic, presenting a normal growth process as one of being “abandoned by everyone.”
3. Can Peking University Really Not Retain Talented Individuals? Foundational Education Is the Cornerstone
The criticism that Peking University cannot retain talented individuals like Wang Hong and Deng Yu is a misunderstanding:
- Wang Hong did not directly enter the School of Mathematics due to limited enrollment quotas in Guangxi; her score did not meet the requirements (this is a rule of the college entrance examination, not discrimination). However, Peking University provided her with the opportunity to transfer to the department, which she seized through hard work. This shows that the university offers pathways for talent, not barriers.
- The “suppression” felt at the School of Mathematics is due to the intense competition among top mathematicians from across the country, which creates significant pressure on students but also serves as a motivating force for mutual advancement in academia.
- The fact that Deng Yu transferred to MIT and Wang Hong went to France for further studies is a common occurrence for outstanding talents. A solid foundation in undergraduate studies allows them to access broader resources and cutting-edge research opportunities, which is an extension of the education provided by Peking University. Both have acknowledged that their time at Peking University was crucial for their later research.
4. Heroes Don’t Need a Tragic Context: Achievements Speak for Themselves
The greatness of these mathematicians lies in their solutions to world-class mathematical problems (Wang Hong proved the three-dimensional hanging valley conjecture, and Deng Yu made breakthroughs in the narrow sense of Hilbert’s Sixth Problem), not in any “revenge” against their alma mater. To portray their success as a critique of Peking University is disrespectful. Their achievements belong to mathematics itself, not the dramatic plot of a “comeback story.” True hero stories involve talent, perseverance, support from teachers, and opportunities of the times; there’s no need for a tragic context to highlight their greatness.
5. Rational Reflection Is Important: Avoid Falling for Conspiracy Theories
We acknowledge that there is room for improvement in the research environment for basic disciplines (for example, Peking University’s establishment of an International Center for Mathematics Research is a step forward). However, framing the issue as a conspiracy theory that Peking University “chokes off talented individuals” is excessive. Rational reflection helps to solve problems, while conspiracy theories only create division. The success of Wang Hong and Deng Yu is a source of pride for Peking University and represents progress in Chinese mathematics. We should celebrate their achievements while maintaining rationality and tolerance, rather than being misled by rumors.
In conclusion, heroes have their own paths to success; there’s no need to fabricate stories of “talented individuals being neglected.” Their stories are about hard work and perseverance, not dramatic tales of overcoming adversity. We should see the truth and respect their accomplishments for what they are.