Core Viewpoint - The article commemorates the life and contributions of Yang Zhenning, a renowned physicist and Nobel laureate, highlighting his significant impact on modern physics and his dedication to education and national development [1][5][9]. Group 1: Contributions to Physics - Yang Zhenning is recognized as one of the greatest physicists of the 20th century, with foundational contributions to modern physics, including the Yang-Mills theory and the concept of parity violation in weak interactions, which earned him the Nobel Prize in 1957 [1][4]. - His work laid the groundwork for the standard model of particle physics, comparable to Maxwell's equations and Einstein's general relativity [1][4]. - He made significant advancements in various fields, including statistical physics and condensed matter physics, influencing the development of these disciplines [1][4]. Group 2: Educational Impact - Yang Zhenning established the Institute for Advanced Study at Tsinghua University in 1997, significantly contributing to talent recruitment and academic development [3][7]. - He actively participated in mentoring students and guiding research, emphasizing the importance of independent thinking and broad knowledge acquisition [7][8]. - His efforts in promoting education and scientific research in China have had a lasting impact, with many scholars benefiting from his initiatives [6][8]. Group 3: National Pride and Contributions - Yang Zhenning expressed a deep sense of national pride and contributed to changing perceptions of Chinese scientists on the global stage [5][6]. - He played a crucial role in fostering Sino-American academic exchanges and supported the development of scientific policies in China [6][9]. - His return to China and subsequent contributions were driven by a desire to support the nation's scientific progress and education [5][6]. Group 4: Legacy and Influence - Yang Zhenning's life exemplified a commitment to truth-seeking and excellence in science, inspiring future generations of scholars [4][5]. - His passing prompted widespread mourning and reflection on his contributions, with many expressing a desire to carry forward his spirit of dedication and patriotism [9]. - The article emphasizes the importance of learning from Yang Zhenning's character and contributions to continue advancing science and education in China [9].

Core Viewpoint - The article commemorates the life and contributions of renowned physicist Yang Zhenning, who passed away at the age of 103, highlighting his scientific explorations and reflections on the future of physics [1]. Group 1: Yang Zhenning's Life and Work - Yang Zhenning returned to Beijing in December 2003 after spending 58 years in the United States, marking a significant transition in his life [3]. - He continued to publish high-quality papers in leading journals, focusing on statistical physics, a field he had previously set aside due to a lack of experimental validation [3]. - Yang expressed gratitude for being able to work at the forefront of science at an advanced age, a rarity in scientific history [4]. Group 2: Contributions to Education and Innovation - After returning to China, Yang became involved in broader educational, cultural, and political issues, frequently giving public lectures across China and in other Chinese-speaking regions [4]. - He identified four types of innovation, emphasizing the importance of certain types for contemporary China, particularly those akin to the innovations of Bill Gates and Nintendo [4]. Group 3: Publications and Reflections - Yang Zhenning's book "Dawn Collection," published in 2018, reflects on significant changes in China and the world over the past decade, indicating a shift from darkness to dawn [6]. - The collection includes essays that showcase his views on the value of physics and its future, emphasizing the importance of conceptual development in the field [6][7]. - In his writings, Yang discussed the evolution of physics in the 20th century and the challenges faced in the post-World War II era, particularly regarding the extension of observable experiences into non-physical realms [10][11]. Group 4: Philosophical Insights on Physics - Yang Zhenning articulated his belief that the ultimate judgment in physics must be grounded in reality, contrasting the roles of physicists with those of mathematicians and artists [11]. - He expressed skepticism about the future of physics, suggesting that while significant advancements have been made, deeper conceptual layers remain to be explored [13]. - Yang's reflections on the cultural differences in scientific perspectives highlight the influence of traditional Chinese thought on his worldview [16].