Wu Guosheng, a professor at Tsinghua University, said that China's four great inventions – the compass, gunpowder, printing and papermaking – are not the results of modern science, and it is misleading and imprecise to call them scientific inventions. The remarks sparked widespread discussion and criticism.
Wu Guosheng believes that the relationship between the "four great inventions" and science is not so close. Although these inventions have indeed made great contributions to mankind, they are not purely scientific achievements, but more a summary of practical experience. For example, the invention of gunpowder is largely due to practical experience, which has been gradually summed up after a long period of trial and error. The same is true of the invention of printing, which is related to the engraving experience of the inventor Bi Sheng.
He believes that science is a method of gathering knowledge and discovering new knowledge using systematic and reproducible methods, and that the four great inventions are fundamentally different from it. Although the inventors of the four great inventions also had their own theoretical foundations, these theories were not based on a specific scientific method, nor were they derived from experiments and observations.
Professor Wu's remarks aroused strong dissatisfaction and disgust among the masses, who believed that his views were denying traditional Chinese culture and history. Many netizens have expressed their opinions, believing that the culture and science of any country need to be respected, and Professor Wu's words make people feel very hurt.
In fact, Professor Wu's remarks are quite controversial, and in the current historical and cultural context, such negative statements are not appropriate. Although China's four great inventions are not the fruits of modern science, they are the crystallization of the wisdom of ancient Chinese ancestors and an important part of Chinese culture. These inventions not only promoted the economic development and cultural dissemination of ancient China and the world, but also provided valuable experience and enlightenment for the development of modern science and technology and industry.
On the other hand, as a professor, you should focus on disseminating scientific knowledge and cultural heritage, rather than focusing only on modern technology. As a representative of Tsinghua University, Professor Wu should have more responsibility for educating, guiding and imparting knowledge to young students. Through Professor Wu's words and deeds, it can be seen that his attitude towards traditional Chinese culture and history is not friendly, which he should criticize.
In short, Professor Wu's remarks have triggered public reflection and concern for inheriting Chinese culture. We should place greater emphasis on attaching importance to and protecting traditional culture and carry it forward in an innovative way. At the same time, we must also maintain the exploration and development of modern technology. In this way, China can better move towards the future.