Renowned Physicist Tsung-Dao Lee Remembered in Shanghai: Devoted to Physics, Unburdened by Fame
SHANGHAI, Aug. 25 (CNS) – A memorial service for renowned physicist Tsung-Dao Lee, Nobel laureate and a prominent figure in the worldof physics, was held at the Tsung-Dao Lee Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University on Saturday. The event brought together individuals from various walks of life, including family members, colleagues, and admirers, to pay their respects to the late scientist.
Lee, who passed away at the age of 97 in his San Francisco home on August 4th, 2024, was widely recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to physics, particularly in the fields of quantum field theory, particle physics, nuclear physics, statistical mechanics, fluid mechanics, and astrophysics.
The memorial service began with attendees offering white chrysanthemums at a framed photograph of Lee, his gentle smile and piercing gaze still evident. As guests entered the hall, the words 细推物理须行乐，何用浮名绊此身 (Devoted to physics, unburdened by fame), a quote often cited by Lee, were prominently displayedon a large screen. The attendees stood in silence, paying tribute to the legacy of the esteemed physicist.
Lee’s eldest son, Professor Zhongqing Lee, spoke on behalf of the family, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support and condolences received from around the world following his father’s passing. He recountedhis father’s teachings, emphasizing the importance of knowledge, truth, dedication, humility, responsibility, national pride, integrity, appreciation for the arts, family, and friendship. He also stressed the value of pursuing meaningful work rather than chasing material wealth or fame.
In his final days, Dad said, ‘I will always be a part of you; you will always be a part of me,’ Zhongqing shared, adding that while only family members were present at the time, the sentiment extended to all of his father’s mentors, colleagues, friends, and the scientific community as a whole.
Lee’s grandson, Professor Shanshi Lee, spoke about his grandfather’s three passions. As a child, my grandfather was completely devoted to physics. When he was at home, he would spend hours in his study, hand-writing calculations and filling up pages of paper and notebooks.
He continued, Another passion ofhis was education, nurturing the next generation of scholars and promoting scientific collaboration between nations. Lee also revealed that in his spare time, his grandfather enjoyed sketching and art. He often drew landscapes of places he visited for his grandmother. After she passed away, he continued to paint for the rest of the family.
Frank Wilczek, 2004 Nobel laureate in physics, the inaugural director of the Tsung-Dao Lee Institute, and its current chief scientist, shared his heartfelt memories of Lee. He recalled their first meeting during his graduate studies, when Lee, already a Nobel laureate, treated him with respect andwarmth, making him feel like a valued colleague.
Mr. Lee made groundbreaking and landmark contributions in numerous fields, including quantum field theory, particle physics, nuclear physics, statistical mechanics, fluid mechanics, and astrophysics, said Zhang Jie, president of the Chinese Physical Society, a member of the Chinese Academy ofSciences, and a close friend of Lee. Among these achievements, six are Nobel-prize level, and many others are foundational contributions in their respective fields.
The memorial service was a testament to Lee’s profound impact on the scientific community and his enduring legacy as a pioneer in physics. His life and workserved as an inspiration to generations of scientists, and his commitment to scientific advancement and international collaboration continues to resonate deeply.
【来源】http://www.chinanews.com/sh/2024/08-25/10274544.shtml
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