Summary of the Core Content
This article discusses the awkward public response to the Fields Medal winners, highlighting the conflict between the traditional narrative of scientific research (the image of great scientists from impoverished backgrounds leading ascetic lives) and the current reality of the award-winning individuals (Wang Hong and Deng Yu), who come from affluent families and have personal interests. This has led to a reversal in public opinion: whereas in the past, the media wanted to question the ascetic model and the public was reluctant to accept it, now the public wants to challenge the traditional narrative, yet the media remains silent because these individuals do not fit into the old mold. The article also mentions the rise of enthusiasts from the anime and gaming community in the tech industry, suggesting that traditional educational and research concepts may need to be updated.
I. The Traditional “Great Scientist Narrative”: Only Ascetic Success Is Considered “Authentic”
The stories of scientific heroes we grew up with typically depict individuals overcoming adversity under harsh conditions—such as Chen Jingrun proving the Goldbach Conjecture in a 6-square-meter dormitory, or Wei Sheng solving complex problems while eating steamed buns and drinking mineral water. The core logic of this narrative is that the harder the circumstances, the more glorious the achievement, and the lower the material demands, the more admirable the scientist.
Why do people buy into this narrative? Students see it as a possibility for themselves to succeed through hard work; parents and authorities like it because it seems cost-effective—providing a small dormitory and basic resources can yield top-tier results, essentially achieving the most with the least investment. This reflects the mindset left over from times when the country was less developed: only systems that could thrive under difficult conditions were considered reliable, much like how the atomic bomb was developed using abacuses.
II. Why Are These Winners “Awkward”? Because They Deviate from the Traditional Template
Wang Hong and Deng Yu do not fit into the traditional mold at all. Wang Hong did not face particularly challenging research conditions, and Deng Yu is an anime and gaming enthusiast. They represent a new type of scientist: well-funded individuals with normal lives and personal interests.
Deng Yu, in particular, hits a sore spot for parents and schools, who traditionally believe that children should focus less on gaming and more on studying. His Fields Medal win questions the logic behind restricting hobbies and forcing intense study. This is like casting doubt on the traditional educational paradigm, which is naturally unsettling.
III. The Reversal in Public Opinion: The Public Has Woken Up, but Not the Media
In the past, the media wanted to change the “ascetic model” (e.g., advocating better conditions for researchers), but the public was skeptical, believing that success required hardship. Now, the public sees that scientists with hobbies and good resources can also succeed, leading them to ask, “Why can’t researchers have their own lives? Should universities provide more support?”
However, the media has not actively promoted this new perspective because these individuals do not fit into the old narrative. They are accustomed to promoting the idea of heroes emerging from difficult times and are at a loss for how to address these successful individuals with personal interests.
IV. The Rise of Anime and Gaming in the Tech Industry: From “Hindering Learning” to “Potential Drivers of Success”
The article notes an interesting trend: many tech professionals and AI researchers use anime avatars, and now we have a Fields Medal winner (Deng Yu) from the mathematical community. Previously, parents worried that gaming would distract from studies, but perhaps in the future, not engaging with anime and gaming could hinder progress in fields like computer science or mathematics.
What does this indicate? Traditional prejudices against hobbies are being challenged—hobbies are not necessarily enemies of learning; they can actually become drivers of innovation. Many technologies (such as game engines and AI algorithms) are closely related to anime and gaming, and those with a passion for these areas may have a better understanding of their needs.
Conclusion
The awkward public response to the Fields Medal winners reflects a clash between outdated narratives and new realities. We should let go of the notion that only ascetic scientists are truly great researchers and accept that researchers can have hobbies, lead normal lives, and even be enthusiasts who become top-tier scientists. Times have changed, and so should our approach to scientific research.