Core Viewpoint - The article reflects on the life and contributions of Yang Zhenning, emphasizing his scientific achievements, deep sense of national pride, and the impact of his upbringing on his character and academic pursuits [2][4][36]. Group 1: Life and Legacy - Yang Zhenning passed away on October 18, 2025, at the age of 103, marking the end of an era for modern physics [2]. - He is recognized not only for his scientific contributions but also for his role in changing the perception of Chinese people regarding their capabilities [6][10]. - His life journey is described as a complete circle, starting from Tsinghua University, reaching the pinnacle of global science, and eventually returning to his roots [2][4]. Group 2: Family Influence - The article highlights the significant role of Yang Zhenning's parents in shaping his character and academic style, particularly through their educational methods [4][10]. - His father, Yang Wuzhi, emphasized a patient and well-rounded education, while his mother, Luo Menghua, instilled resilience and a strong work ethic [19][21]. - Yang Zhenning's early exposure to literature and science, along with his parents' encouragement, fostered his lifelong passion for learning [12][19]. Group 3: Educational Philosophy - Yang Zhenning advocated for "permeation learning" and interest-driven study, which he believed were essential for scientific research [36][39]. - He emphasized the importance of collaborative discussions in academic settings, which he found beneficial throughout his career [33][36]. - His approach to education combined elements from both Chinese and Western educational philosophies, allowing him to thrive in diverse academic environments [39]. Group 4: National Pride and Contributions - Yang Zhenning's return to China in 1971 marked a significant moment in his life, as he became the first American-born Chinese scientist to return to the new China [6][10]. - He established initiatives to support Chinese scholars studying abroad, contributing to the development of China's scientific community [8][10]. - His commitment to his homeland was evident in his decision to renounce his American citizenship in 2015, reflecting his lifelong dedication to China [8][10].

Core Viewpoint - The article reflects on the life and contributions of Yang Zhenning, emphasizing his scientific achievements, deep sense of national pride, and the impact of his upbringing on his character and academic pursuits [2][4][36]. Group 1: Life and Legacy - Yang Zhenning passed away on October 18, 2025, at the age of 103, marking the end of an era in modern physics [2]. - He is recognized not only for his scientific contributions but also for his role in changing the perception of Chinese people regarding their capabilities [6][10]. - His life journey is described as a complete circle, starting from Tsinghua University, reaching the pinnacle of global science, and eventually returning to his roots [2][4]. Group 2: Educational Influence - The article highlights the significant influence of Yang Zhenning's parents on his education, particularly his father's rational enlightenment and his mother's resilient spirit [10][19]. - Yang Zhenning's father emphasized a patient and well-rounded approach to learning, which shaped his academic style [12][14]. - His mother's dedication and strong will instilled in him the importance of perseverance and hard work [19][23]. Group 3: Scientific Contributions - Yang Zhenning's scientific journey began with a profound interest in physics, sparked by reading about revolutionary concepts like relativity and quantum mechanics at a young age [26][29]. - His collaboration with peers during his time at Southwest Associated University was crucial for his academic development, emphasizing the importance of discussion and teamwork in research [33][36]. - He is credited with significant theories such as the Yang-Mills theory and the concept of parity violation, which have had lasting impacts on the field of physics [36][39]. Group 4: Personal Philosophy - Yang Zhenning advocated for a "permeation learning" approach, emphasizing the importance of interest-driven study and gradual understanding [36][39]. - His academic attitude was characterized by humility and a commitment to rigorous, practical research, as demonstrated by his persistence in experimental physics [37][39]. - He believed that true youthfulness is a state of mind, marked by curiosity and sincerity, which he embodied throughout his life [39].