启程，找个支点重塑世界——席酉民校长在2020年毕业典礼上的讲话(中英)
Please scroll down for the English version
今天下午，西交利物浦大学举行了2020届第一场毕业典礼暨学位授予仪式。
毕业典礼上，西交利物浦大学执行校长席酉民教授作了题为“启程，找个支点重塑世界”的主题演讲。演讲全文如下：
亲爱的同学们、尊敬的同事、家长和朋友们：
在全球仍与COVID-19痛苦抗争的特殊时期，我们用这种独特的方式欢送2020届毕业生，在经历人类与病毒搏斗的无奈中，携西浦教育之成长步入一个空前复杂脆弱的世界。
人类文明演进的路上总是危机四伏，在高度现代化的今天，一株看不见的病毒就能让整个世界停摆。这场被所有国家视为二战后最严峻挑战的危机，不但考验着每个国家的卫生健康体系、社会治理能力，也同时挑战着人类的生存能力。然而比疫情更可怕的是，国与国、民族与民族、阶层与阶层之间的信任与合作被瓦解，欺骗与谎言、隔阂与封锁、歧视与抹黑此起彼伏。随着疫情全球肆虐，民粹主义的喧嚣、反全球化思潮的涌动，种族歧视的死灰复燃，国际合作组织和机制遭到冲击，经济社会必要的合作被阻隔，人类赖以生活的交通和供给体系遭到破坏，世界秩序、合作与繁荣面临着前所未有的挑战，这个世界从未像现在这样脆弱和令人困惑。
你们本应喜悦的毕业季也无法逃脱混乱世界的影响，无论是毕业设计、求学还是找工作，道路都突然变得异常崎岖。有些同学因不能返校完成毕业设计而感到纠结不安，甚或不满；拿到了国际名校的offer，能否成行也许让你们焦躁难寝；就业计划或创业方案被巨变的经济现实击碎，你们可能失望和沮丧。但我想告诉同学们的是，在剧变的时代面前，各种情绪波动或心理反应都是正常的，但一定不能放弃，因为无论世界怎样，我们都必须与之相处，唯一能做的是用我们的努力和行动，推动她向我们希望的方向演进。
越处在巨变和重塑的时代，越有机会去改写这个世界，在人类何去何从的十字路口点亮一束光。志在培养世界公民的西浦，希望你们有格局，无论将来从事什么工作，记住找到一个事业的支点，以你们的责任和担当做杠杆，用你们的智慧去重塑世界。经历过抗疫磨炼的这届毕业生，似乎应更有信心地说，西浦的培养、席卷全球不确定性的洗礼，使你们有更快的调整能力，有更强的从危机中挖掘机会的敏锐，从而更利于你们发现或创造一个支点，改变或重塑这个世界。
面对错综复杂的世界，也许你们觉得如此厚重的期待会压垮你们，但细细想想，这个世界就是在每一个人一点点贡献的推动下演进的。半个多世纪前，马丁·路德·金高呼“我有一个梦想”，他虽然没能阻隔因美国弗洛伊德之死引发的全球大规模抗议活动，但却用自身努力，推动了社会进步，改变了伤疤下社会撕裂的缘由和机理，尽管人类还需继续为平等而努力。面对今日的世界乱象，也是我们高呼“我有一个梦想”的时候了。当然，正如西浦校训Light and Wings所言，梦想的实现需要脚踏实地、一步一步的行动，更需要通过终生学习不断强壮你们追梦的翅膀。疫情中，我欣喜地看到西浦师生通过公益活动、爱心募捐、艺术创作等方式为抗疫奉献力量、为反歧视发声；西浦学者们积极投身抗击疾病的科研工作中，等等。大家都在利用各自的行动践行着世界公民的梦想。
未来已来。人类社会已经进入第四次产业革命(4IR)或第二机器时代(2MA)，无论是主动投入还是被动卷入，要改变世界，首先需要适应颠覆性技术引发的学习、工作、生活和社会的种种新范式，并趁机突破或创造，重塑世界。在你们即将启程之际，请带上我给你们的锦囊：迅速从原来熟悉的相对稳定时代的心智模式转换到能闯荡于未来世界的"复杂心智"(Complexity Mindset)。
西浦从建校伊始就意识到这一点，决心在教育重塑的时代，根据社会发展、整合人类智慧和东西方最优实践，探索未来的教育体系，培育具有复杂心智的世界公民，以影响中国和世界的教育发展。还针对未来世界公民的担当，提出了西浦学生应具备的素养体系，即以“开心生活、成功事业”为理念，以“提高人类生存能力” 为核心目标，以“创新和贡献”为核心价值观，以“和而不同”为核心伦理观，以“全球视野与练达”为核心世界观。为了孕育西浦人的复杂心智，我还根据和谐管理理论，提出一种和谐心智模型：强调系统演化、方向感和共生系统的建构，以及融合力、平衡力和边缘创新力。和谐心智是支持人们学习与成长，并游刃有余地生存于未来世界的重要法宝。希望你们牢记西浦的理念，在重塑世界的旅途中努力践行和持续升级你们的和谐心智。
面对充满不确定性的世界，有梦想和担当的人可能都在追问，我该以什么为支点，用我的行动撬动发展，让世界变得更好。和谐心智强调，多元共生生态的营造、积极的融入与干预、动态平衡的造诣和生态红利的创造。试想，小小的病毒可以让整个世界为之震颤。为什么我们受过国际化高等教育的人不能影响世界、改写历史？在这个数字化、智能化和高度互联的时代，社会日益由众多小事件和小人物通过无处不在的网络推动，进而演化出超越人们想象甚或控制的现象。这是一个演化和涌现奇迹的时代。我希望西浦人能怀揣锦囊，不断强化自己的自组织、平台、生态系统的营造力，从而整合资源、刺激创新、真诚合作，创建事业平台和共赢生态，最后创造价值和生态红利，造福人类，影响和改变世界。
为了实现西浦梦想，全球独特的西浦学习超市今年5月正式创立，将利用世界一流的实体校园学术环境，依托现代网络和先进教育理念，将全世界优秀的网上资源和提供者整合到西浦，实现校内与校外、线上与线下、产业与教育的深度融合，打造支持学生和社会各界人士实现兴趣导向、个性化的终身学习、创新和创业的教育及未来生活新生态。这不仅是西浦重塑未来教育和影响世界的一个支点，也会为西浦学子和校友提供一个终生学习和创业的支持平台。人生旅途肯定充满风险和挑战，但母校一直在你们的身后，将支持你们并和大家一道，为促进世界的重塑添砖加瓦！
亲爱的同学们，西浦人志在四海，梦想正燃，莫问艰险，乘风破浪！愿你们带上西浦赋予的勇气与行动力，插上和谐心智的翅膀，以每个人的创造、坚韧、努力和智慧，让我们与所处的世界一起更美好！
最后，我谨代表西浦给大家一个承诺，今年因为疫情未能现场参加毕业典礼的毕业生们，在未来若干年中，你都可以回母校参加任何一场毕业典礼。穿上毕业袍，重温美好大学时光，西浦永远是你们的家。
Executive President's 2020 Graduation Address:
SETTING OFF - FINDING A FULCRUM TO RESHAPE THE WORLD
Dear students, colleagues, parents and friends:
At this historic time when the world is still wrestling with COVID-19, we are saying farewell to the class of 2020 in a special way. Even though you are entering a fragile world with unprecedented complexity, you should not be frustrated by the ongoing struggle against the virus. You have received a solid education from XJTLU that gives you the skills needed for success.
Human civilisation has always faced challenges. Even in today's highly modernised world, a virus can shut down society. This crisis that we are facing is regarded by many countries to be the most serious global challenge since World War II. This pandemic is testing the public health systems and social governance of every nation, as well as the viability of humanity.
But what is more troubling than the pandemic is the deteriorating trust and lack of cooperation among countries and social classes – as new barriers and blockades have been created. Discrimination and disparagement are on the rise.
With the raging pandemic, we have seen the rise of populism and anti-globalisation sentiment. There has been a resurgence of racial discrimination. International organisations have been weakened. Economic and social partnerships have been severed. Transportation and supply systems are being destroyed. The world has never been so fragile and confusing.
This year’s graduation is not as joyful as it should be, disrupted by a pandemic which has also impacted your pursuit of future studies and even your job search. Some of you may feel anxious or frustrated that you cannot return to campus to complete your final project.
Some of you have already obtained offers from prestigious international schools, but worry about whether you can make the trip due to travel restrictions. I know that others are disappointed that their career or entrepreneurial plans have been shattered by the harsh reality of the current economy.
But please know that with these dramatic changes, it is only natural to experience a strong emotional response. However, we must not give up, but instead we must make the best of it. We should focus on doing all we can to reshape the world through our efforts and actions in a way we see fit.
The more drastically our world changes, the more opportunities are created. We can reshape the world and become a beacon of light at this crossroads of human history. XJTLU is committed to educating global citizens. And we hope that you will always maintain a broad perspective and positive outlook. You can reshape the world with your skills and wisdom. After having experienced the hardships related to COVID-19, you can be confident now that you can quickly adapt to this fast-changing world. You can find opportunities in crisis. You can discover – or even create – a fulcrum that transforms the world.
Perhaps you feel overwhelmed by such high expectations in such a complex world. But consider this: Our world evolves through the contributions of everyone. More than half a century ago, Martin Luther King Jr. called for an end to racism with his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
It is clear that King’s dream has never come true, as evidenced by the recent massive global protests triggered by the death of George Floyd at the hands of police brutality. We can still achieve this dream of unity with continued efforts. King promoted social progress and he changed the way people deal with social divisions and racial inequality in a scarred society.
As we face the chaos in the world today, it is time for us also to say "We have a dream." Our University’s motto is “Light and Wings.” These words help remind us all that our dreams require down-to-earth, step-by-step actions. You must strengthen your wings through lifelong learning. I am pleased to see that our educators and students are dedicating their efforts to fighting the virus. I see that you are speaking out against discrimination. You are doing the hard work by participating in public welfare activities, raising funds and creating art. Our faculty members are actively participating in scientific research aimed at combatting COVID-19 as well. Everyone is taking action and pursuing their dreams of being exemplary global citizens.
The future is here. The Fourth Industrial Revolution, or the Second Machine Age, has arrived. However we choose to change the world, we must first adapt to the disruptive technologies that have led to new ways of learning, working, living our lives and transforming society. We must strive to develop breakthroughs to create new models and to transform the world.
As you start your new journey, please bear in mind my advice for you: you need to shift your mindset from the previous one that worked in a relatively stable era to a future-oriented "Complexity Mindset."
Ever since XJTLU was founded, the University has been aware of this need for change. In this era when education is being reshaped, XJTLU is determined to integrate human wisdom and the best practices of the East and West. We’re exploring the development of the education system of the future. We will continue to cultivate global citizens with a Complexity Mindset and to influence the educational development of China and the world. Regarding the responsibilities of future global citizens, XJTLU has set forth requirements for its students. First is to adopt an ideology of having a “happy life and successful career.” The core goal is to “improve the capabilities required to live better lives on Earth.”
Two important core ethics are “innovation and contribution.” We also believe it is essential to "find a balance of harmony and differences." Lastly, we need to develop "global vision and experience" as our worldview.
To nurture the complexity mentality of our XJTLU community, based on the HeXie management theory, I have developed a HeXie mindset model that emphasises systems evolution, directionality and the establishment of symbiotic systems.
This model also fosters balance and cutting-edge innovation. The HeXie mindset is a revolutionary tool to help people deal with uncertainty, ambiguity and complexity in the ever-changing world. I hope all of you will keep this XJTLU philosophy in mind. Strive to keep practicing your HeXie mindset on your journey as you reshape the world.
Facing a world full of uncertainty, people with dreams and responsibilities might ask: how can I find a fulcrum to push for development with my actions and make the world a better place? The HeXie mindset emphasises the establishment of symbiotic systems, active participation, intervention, the attainment of dynamic balance, and the creation of ecological dividends. Think about it. A tiny virus can disrupt the whole world. Why can't we, individuals who have received higher education, influence the world and transform the future? In this era of digitalisation, our society is increasingly impacted by the actions of ordinary people through interconnected networks. These breakthroughs have led to an era of evolution and miracles.
I hope that XJTLU-ers will be able to consolidate and integrate abilities to organise themselves, take advantage of their resources, stimulate innovation, develop partnerships, establish a sustainable career path and networks, and create value and dividends to benefit humanity, while increasing their influence and transforming the world.
To help XJTLU-ers achieve their dreams, our unique XJTLU Learning Mall (XJTLU-LM) was established in May of this year. Adopting an advanced educational philosophy, XJTLU uses the academic environments of world-class campuses and modern networks to put the world’s best online resources and providers under one roof.
We offer in-depth integration of on-campus and off-campus education, online and onsite education and industry and academic education. The new XJTLU Learning Mall also aims to create an ecosystem for future education and personal development to support students and people from all walks of life. Students can pursue personalised, interest-oriented lifelong learning, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Not only will the XJTLU Learning Mall serve as a fulcrum for the University to reshape future education and influence the world, it also provides a support platform for continued learning for XJTLU students and alumni. The journey of life is undoubtedly full of risks and challenges, but your alma mater will always stand with you. XJTLU is there to support you and to work with you as you contribute to the reshaping of the world!
As XJTLU-ers, you should maintain global perspectives and aspirations. Ride the tides of the times. Keep overcoming challenges. Use the courage and power for action that you have gained here, put on the wings of the HeXie mindset and make the world better with your creativity, tenacity, diligence and wisdom.
Finally, on behalf of XJTLU, I would like to make a promise to all of you. For those graduates who failed to attend this year's on-site graduation ceremony due to the epidemic, you can return to XJTLU to attend any graduation ceremony in the years to come. Put on your robe and relive your college glory days. We hope that you always consider XJTLU to be your home.
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