First Keystone × YiXi Youth: “Let’s Not Waste Our Youth”
More than 500 people attended the first Keystone x YiXi Youth event last Sunday (March 30), all of whom were given “seeing” eyes as more stories were told one by one. Seven guest speakers from the fields of nature, medicine, philosophy, and journalism, and a Keystone student speaker, Mia Cheng, jointly presented a special “thought marathon” at the Keystone Performing Arts Center.
For many audience members, the event was sincere and full of power, and that “love and commitment” were the threads that ran through it. Outside the theater, students’ mini exhibitions showcased their explorations in journalism, leadership, and literature; inside the theater, speakers talked about the careers and research that grew out of their passions.
“If the feeling of being seen grants me a voice, then I feel able of seeing more when I am seen less.” When 17-year-old Keystone student Mia Cheng put down the microphone, her experience as a waitress in a restaurant, which lasted one month, was still vibrating gently in
he air. The audience followed her journey of sensing, caring, and accomplishing a new seeing.
In addition to Mia’s story, other guest speakers gave their thought-provoking insights. “Our world is not just for adults, because children are also participants and spectators in this world.” Kai Kai, an art book publisher, hopes to reacquaint everyone with how we can warmly connect with the world in this age of fragmentation when books become a fulcrum. Appearing on the YiXi stage for the first time, Ding Yang, Chief Verification Officer at Tencent News Verification Platform, eschewed flashy golden phrases, instead using rumors he personally debunked to share his straightforward methodology.
“Critical thinking is not criticizing others, but just desiring a correct answer.” Su Dechao, Professor of the School of Philosophy of Wuhan University, illuminated the essence of critical thinking through wit and humor. The atmosphere resembled his classroom at Wuhan University, filled with laughter and contemplation. Independent Chinese language teacher Feng Junhe transformed the stage into a classroom setting, too, collaborating with the audience to “reconstruct” poetry, emphasizing the importance of preserving space for emotional resonance.
Professors Liang Yongan from Fudan University and Li Zhizhong, a cancer biologist, were the most recognized speakers at the event. Rather than focusing on academic knowledge, both scholars chose to offer suggestions. Professor Liang explored the narrative core of classic films and literary works, illustrating various “ways of life” for young people today, encouraging them to resist conformity. Dr. Li Zhizhong’s discourse on scientific thinking likely inspired numerous young attendees aspiring to pursue careers in scientific research.
Reflecting on the event’s beginning, insect observer Yang Xiaofeng concluded his presentation with an observation: “If you fear something, yet are destined to be unable to escape it, then perhaps loving it is the best choice.” This sentiment offered a unique interpretation of pursuing one’s passion and extended gentle encouragement to all the courageous young people present who were eager to explore their own paths.
Stay tuned to In the Loop for the video highlights of this event. In the meantime, visit our website for more photos of Keystone × YiXi Youth.
