Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the final thoughts and reflections of Zhu Rui, a prominent philosopher, as he faced terminal cancer, culminating in his last work titled "The Philosopher's Last Lesson" [1][8]. Group 1: Zhu Rui's Illness and Final Days - Zhu Rui was diagnosed with late-stage rectal cancer in the summer of 2022 and fought the disease for over a year, returning to teaching despite undergoing chemotherapy [2][4]. - He completed his last book through a series of conversations while in a palliative care unit, ultimately passing away on August 1, 2024, at the age of 56 [1][4]. Group 2: Philosophical Insights - Zhu Rui emphasized that fear of death stems from ignorance, and he believed that understanding death is essential to living a meaningful life [5][6]. - He viewed death not as an end but as a part of life, suggesting that it should be embraced rather than feared [6][5]. Group 3: Educational Philosophy and Social Concerns - Zhu Rui's teachings attracted significant attention, with classes often exceeding capacity, reflecting his impact on students and society [4]. - He expressed a desire for individuals to connect their desires with the values of their actions, advocating for a society with diverse aspirations and reduced internal competition [5][11]. Group 4: Personal Reflections and Legacy - Zhu Rui's sister, Zhu Sumei, noted that his approach to death and life profoundly influenced her perspective, highlighting the importance of his philosophical insights [9][10]. - His focus on self-esteem in education was rooted in his own experiences, emphasizing the need for individuals to understand their own value and identity [12][11].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the philosophical reflections of Professor Zhu Rui on life and death, particularly in the context of his terminal illness and the publication of his final work, "The Philosopher's Last Lesson" [1][5][13]. Group 1: Key Themes of the Book - The book addresses fundamental questions about maintaining dignity and joy in the face of death [3]. - It explores why philosophers are not afraid of death and what truly matters in life when viewed from the end [3]. - It discusses how ordinary people can use philosophy to combat nihilism and fear [3]. Group 2: Context of the Publication - "The Philosopher's Last Lesson" was published in April 2025, compiling Zhu Rui's thoughts during his last days and his final lecture at Renmin University [5][13]. - The book is a result of ten days of discussions between Zhu Rui and a young interlocutor, reflecting on life and death [5][14]. - It aims to provide readers with a multifaceted perspective on life, encouraging a deeper understanding of existence and the challenges it presents [14]. Group 3: Events and Discussions - A discussion event featuring Zhu Rui's colleagues and friends is scheduled for July 19, 2025, to delve into the stories behind the book [2][11]. - The event will include conversations about Zhu Rui's thoughts on death and his legacy [2].