Recently, Yuan Longping won the 'medal of the Republic'. But at the age of 90, he is still working in the experimental field to check the growth of the 'third generation hybrid rice'.
In 1953, Yuan Longping graduated from Southwest Agricultural College (now Southwest University). On the occasion of national day, southwest university students wrote to Mr. Yuan to express their respect and wishes. Yuan Lao replied by video, talked about his scientific research experience and encouraged students.
The following is the reply (according to the video)
Teachers and students:
On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the founding of new China, in such a grand festival, I wish you good health and all the best!
Someone asked me, what is the secret of your success? I think I have no secret. My experience is that on the road of Hetian, I have eight words: knowledge, sweat, inspiration and opportunity.
Knowledge is the foundation. For example, when we do genetic research, we should have deep professional knowledge.
The second is sweat. We do applied science research. We have to work hard to practice real knowledge. Book knowledge is very important, and computer technology is also very important. However, rice can not be planted on books and computers. Only in the experimental field can I grow the rice I want.
The third is inspiration. Everyone has inspiration. What is inspiration? In fact, it is a spark of thought. Often there is no way out. Suddenly, when the thought comes and the inspiration comes, there will be another village. I hope you will not let go of this spark of thought and remember it well.
Finally, opportunities. There is a saying called Opportunity dotes on those who have a heart. Han Yu has an article saying, "there is Bole in the world, and then there is Qianlima. Qianlima often exists, but Bole doesn't often exist." This shows that there are all good opportunities, but not intentional people. Without experience and pursuit, this opportunity will be missed. Let me give an example. We found that male sterile wild rice is a good opportunity. Wild rice used to be everywhere, as well as sterile wild rice. We are conscientious people. We found this opportunity in the process of looking for and collecting wild rice. Finding male sterile wild rice has opened a breakthrough for the successful research of hybrid rice. Therefore, we should be conscientious people. There will be good opportunities. Don't let go.
So, I don't have any secret, that is, these eight words, please refer to them. Please correct what's wrong.