杨振宁逝世：「我最大的贡献是，帮助改变了中国人觉得自己不如人的心理」

Core Viewpoint - The article commemorates the life and contributions of renowned physicist Yang Zhenning, who passed away at the age of 103, highlighting his groundbreaking work in physics, particularly the parity violation theory and the Yang-Mills theory, which have significantly influenced modern particle physics [5][8][85]. Group 1: Yang Zhenning's Achievements - Yang Zhenning, along with Li Zhengdao, proposed the parity violation theory, earning the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957, making them the first Chinese scientists to receive this honor [8][85]. - The Yang-Mills theory, co-developed with Mills, serves as a cornerstone of the modern particle physics standard model, profoundly impacting the field's development [8][85]. - Yang Zhenning's significant discoveries include the questioning of parity conservation in weak interactions, which led to a paradigm shift in physics [79][85]. Group 2: Personal Life and Background - Yang Zhenning was born on October 1, 1922, in Hefei, Anhui, and had two birthdays due to a clerical error on his immigration documents [21][22]. - He was known as "Yang Daitou" during his childhood, reflecting both his physical appearance and his role as a caretaker for his younger siblings [25][26]. - His academic journey began at the Southwest Associated University, where he excelled in physics and mathematics, later leading to his studies in the United States [28][30]. Group 3: Collaboration with Li Zhengdao - Yang Zhenning and Li Zhengdao developed a close friendship and collaboration, which began in the United States and led to significant scientific breakthroughs [59][67]. - Their joint work culminated in the Nobel Prize-winning paper questioning parity conservation, which was published in October 1956 [79][84]. - Despite their close collaboration, personal differences led to a rift between the two, highlighting the complexities of their relationship [16][71]. Group 4: Impact on Physics - The discovery of parity violation challenged long-held beliefs in physics, leading to a reevaluation of fundamental principles [84]. - Yang Zhenning's contributions have been recognized as pivotal in changing the perception of Chinese scientists in the global scientific community [85][86]. - The article emphasizes the importance of their work in shaping modern physics and inspiring future generations of scientists [85].