From: oyanagi@is.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp (OYANAGI Yoshio)
Subject: President Arima's Address
Organization: Dept. of Info. Sci., Fac. of Sci, Univ. of Tokyo, Japan.
Date: Thu, 31 Dec 1992 10:56:05 GMT
Distribution: fj
X-Bytes: 4294

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==============================================================================
  AKITO ARIMA IS PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO  -- DA HSUAN


                           Acceptance Address of Akito Arima
                  delivered at the CYCU Honorary Doctoral Degree
                                      conferring ceremony

                               December 23, 1992

    Chairman Tao, President Chang, President Wu, Chairman Sha,
Vice Minister Yang, distinguished guests, colleagues, ladies and
gentlemen.  I am truly honored to receive this Honorary Doctoral
Degree of Science from Chung Yuan Christian University(CYCU), one
of the most active and leading universities in Taiwan, Republic
of China.

   I have been greatly influenced by Chinese culture, especially
the philosophical works of Confucius, Laozi and Zhuang zi. They
taught me how to think everyday, both as a scientist and as a
secular man.  I am very fond of Chinese literature, especially
poems written in the Tang and Song Dynasties.  Li Bai, Du Fu,
Li He and other notable poets are unforgettable. Their words are
woven into the fabric of my everyday life and have been proven
inspirational in my own poetry.

  In fact, I believe the richness of the Chinese culture has
inspired the world. Generations have benefited from five thousand
years of development in the areas of art, literature, philosophy
and science. I believe this monumental influence must be appreciated
and recognized. Accordingly, I would like to offer my sincere
apologies for the improper actions of Japan which have taken place
in the past, most especially during the second world war. As with
all forceful measures, these actions were shortsighted. It is my
deepest hope that the world can learn from these transgressions
and develop the higher understanding of peace

    It was Chang Kai-Shek who demonstrated this kind of higher
understanding when he said," YI DE BAO YUAN" (respond with love,
not hatred).  He showed the greatest generosity when Japan was
finally defeated in the second world war.  His actions deeply
impressed me and I will never forget his words.

    That I am here today, receiving an Honorary Degree is indicative
your nation's virtuous and harmonious nature. As we look towards
the future, I believe that our two countries and Asia as a whole
will continue to be peaceful and prosperous. Taiwan is now one
of the most active nations in Asia. I believe this achievement is
founded on the harmony between the development of science and
technology and humanity and social science.

    Dr. KoKun Phua in Singapore and myself began efforts in 1981
to organize an International Conference in The Asia-Pacific region,
including countries such as Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea,
Singapore, Thailand and others. In 1983 we succeeded in hosting a
conference in Singapore. I would like to take this opportunity to
thank those Chinese Physicists who attended that conference and other
succeeding conferences.

    The world is not getting smaller but it is growing closer.
European countries are in the process of forming the European
Community. The United States, Canada and Mexico are also
attempting to form co-operative circles. Both the European
community and North America have established international
scientific centers such as CERN in Geneva. However, Asia has
yet to develop such a center. It is my sincere wish that Asian
scientists will construct international centers of science and
technology in the near future. I have no doubt that all of you
here today will contribute to such an effort.

    This kind of effort expands beyond the realm of science. The
relationships formed between scientists the boundaries of culture
and country, thus contributing to world peace. It is this kind of
philosophical mission that is symbolized at Chung Yuan Christian
University, as expressed in CYCU's educational philosophy:

"We respect the dignity of nature and of humanity and we work for
the harmony between each person and his creator, all creation, his
fellow humans, as well as himself, through the wise and careful
utilization of professional knowledge of science and the humanities"

    Thank You very much.  You have touched my heart.


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