Wang Hong, a 35-year-old professor at the Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques in France, has become the first Chinese recipient of the Fields Medal, often referred to as the Nobel Prize of Mathematics. His life story has resonated deeply within Chinese society.
According to local media reports on July 30, the Guangxi Daily, the official newspaper of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, sold out its July 25 edition, which featured Wang's story on the front page.
Speculators resold copies of the newspaper, originally priced at 1.35 yuan, for as much as 99 yuan. In response to a surge in inquiries about purchasing the newspaper, Guangxi Daily printed additional copies and began selling them online on July 28, limiting purchases to three copies per person. However, the influx of buyers temporarily overwhelmed the system.
While specific sales figures were not disclosed, the print run was approximately 250,000 copies. Chinese netizens expressed great interest in the article, dubbing it a 'modern-day Luoyang paper.'
The article titled 'Wang's Conjecture' has been praised for its simplicity and significance, with comments highlighting its powerful title that transcends gender stereotypes. 'Wang' refers to Wang Hong's surname and symbolizes his status in the mathematical community, while 'conjecture' alludes to his research achievements and metaphorically represents his journey of pursuing dreams amid self-doubt.
Furthermore, the article focuses on Wang's academic journey and growth, avoiding framing him as a 'country girl' based on his background or gender.
Through interviews with Wang's hometown residents, teachers, and acquaintances, the article traces his path from a small village in Guilin, Guangxi, to a world-class research institution. It recounts anecdotes, including how Wang's father sacrificed career advancement for his children's education and an experience during middle school when he faced criticism for being a girl who asked too many questions.
Guangxi Daily noted on its official Weibo account that the article's popularity stems not only from Wang's prestigious award but also from its portrayal of a genuine life that took 'a little longer and a little more time' to reach the finish line.
The public's interest in Wang extends beyond the article. A recently released video of his acceptance speech for the Fields Medal has resonated with many young people in China.
In the video, he reflected on his undergraduate years at Peking University, admitting he felt 'discouraged,' which sparked discussions about the culture of meritocracy in Chinese education.
The Chinese media outlet 'Takan,' which focuses on social issues and women's rights, remarked on July 27 that Wang Hong is emerging as a new role model for Chinese youth. Takan noted that his use of the word 'discouraged' accurately names the pain many young Chinese have felt but struggled to articulate.
Indeed, social media platforms like Weibo and Xiaohongshu have seen a flood of posts criticizing China's meritocratic system. Many expressed that poor academic performance leads to a denial of their existence, with teachers publicly belittling students and professors criticized for prioritizing selection over teaching. Wang's admission of feeling 'discouraged' has prompted many exhausted Chinese youth, caught in relentless competition, to reflect on their own anxieties and frustrations.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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