Core Viewpoint - The article reflects on the life and contributions of Yang Zhenning, emphasizing his profound impact on modern physics and the lessons his work offers to the business world, particularly in terms of foundational research, collaboration, talent strategy, and long-term vision [12][24]. Group 1: Foundational Research - Yang Zhenning's significant contributions, such as the Yang-Mills theory and the concept of parity violation, highlight the importance of foundational research in creating deep competitive advantages for businesses [14][15]. - The article argues that true, sustainable competitive advantages often stem from invisible foundational theories rather than visible products, urging companies to invest in long-term basic research [15][16]. Group 2: Collaborative Innovation - The collaborative nature of Yang Zhenning's achievements, including his partnerships with other prominent scientists, illustrates the necessity of creating environments that foster collective innovation [16][17]. - Businesses are encouraged to design organizational structures that promote collaboration and allow diverse experts to engage freely, thus enhancing innovation potential [17][18]. Group 3: Talent Strategy - The concept of parity violation serves as a metaphor for breaking conventional norms in talent acquisition, suggesting that organizations should adopt non-traditional strategies to attract top talent [18][20]. - Yang Zhenning's return to China symbolizes a shift in the global talent landscape, indicating that organizations must be open to diverse backgrounds and unconventional paths to attract exceptional talent [19][20]. Group 4: Long-term Vision - Yang Zhenning's life choices reflect a strategic long-term vision, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal and organizational goals with broader societal progress [21][22]. - The article advocates for businesses to adopt a long-term perspective, focusing on enduring value creation rather than short-term financial gains, as exemplified by successful companies like Amazon and Microsoft [23][24].

Core Insights - The passing of Yang Zhenning, a renowned physicist and Nobel laureate, marks the end of an era, with his contributions to modern physics being celebrated globally [1][2][3][4][5] Group 1: Contributions to Physics - Yang Zhenning's work, particularly the Yang-Mills theory and the concept of parity violation, laid the foundation for the Standard Model of particle physics, which is considered one of the most significant theories in modern physics [2][11] - His discovery of the Yang-Baxter equation opened new directions in statistical physics and quantum groups, influencing various fields [3][4] Group 2: Impact on Education and Research - Yang Zhenning played a crucial role in promoting scientific research and education in China, establishing the Tsinghua University Institute for Advanced Study and advocating for the restoration of fundamental scientific research [3][4][17] - His return to China and efforts in establishing a strong academic network have significantly influenced the development of higher education and research in the country [17][18] Group 3: Business and Innovation Insights - The article outlines four "underlying codes" derived from Yang Zhenning's work that are applicable to business and innovation: 1. The importance of foundational research in creating sustainable competitive advantages, emphasizing that true value often lies in unseen theoretical advancements rather than immediate applications [10][12] 2. The necessity of collaborative innovation, highlighting that significant breakthroughs often result from collective efforts rather than individual genius [13][14] 3. The need to break conventional norms in talent strategy, encouraging organizations to adopt non-traditional approaches to attract and retain top talent [16][18] 4. The value of long-term strategic thinking, advocating for a focus on enduring contributions rather than short-term gains [19][22] Group 4: Legacy and Future Guidance - Yang Zhenning's legacy serves as a guide for future generations, emphasizing the importance of respecting foundational research, fostering collaborative environments, breaking norms in talent acquisition, and maintaining a long-term vision [23][24]