Charles Kao, the great scientist who invented optical fiber and brought a big leap forward in field of modern technology, also previously as the Vice-chancellor of Chinese University of Hong Kong, was put under limelight recently for receiving the Nobel Prize that came a bit too late. Renowned with household fame as a scientist, it is Kao’ character which inspired me a lot.
With his hair of the very same colour as that of the silvery white perfectly round moon, his thoughtful eyes looking as deep as the cloudless crimson of midnight embellished and studded with radiant stars, and a confident, humble smile that he is always wearing, Kao is always a much respected elderly. Although he is suffering from Alzeimer’s disease, he looks just as overwhelmingly smart and is the symbol of profound intelligence.
Despite his magnificent contributions and achievements, Professor Kao is always humble and kind. When he was being the university’s principal, he was once encircled by furious students who criticized his policies mercilessly. The principal was not agitated and was sitting there calmly, listening to the students’ opinions meticulously without raising an eyebrow. When many found him being too kind as a principal, he explained that it was good for students to express their opinions. Apart from his broad and boundless kindness, he was very humble. He treated everyone with the most humble manner, even he was recognized as one of the most influential scientists, who signed his name next to Newton’s, as a matter of public knowledge.
In contrast, I was often boastful over small success. The Nobel Prize Laureate’s humbleness made me feel shameful and I decided to reform. I learnt to retrospect my daily life and became more humble.
Charles Kao complies with the authority, so he made innovative discoveries and created history. When asked if he thought there would be tools better than his optical fiber, he shared his thought, with a sense of humor which went beyond anyone’s expectations, “No. I think optical fiber is the best. Authorities are often saying that. Yet we should not believe in authorities.” It not only reveals his humbleness and humour, it also uncovers the spirit of logical, independent thinking. This was shown early in his childhood, when he did experiments at home. When being the Vice-chancellor of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Kao devoted to raising the academic standard in the campus, and endeavored to seek help from other scholars, despite great odds and resistance from the scholars. His story inspired me greatly. We must think independently, critically so as to reach our aims.
The eminent inventor was very hardworking. Despites all the difficulties, he got though thicks and thins and many hurdles to reach success. He buried his head in early models of optical fiber and spared no pain in order to make one of the world’s greatest inventions. This spirit inspired me greatly in a sense that I often slack off in face of hindrances.
The amiable elderly is like a candle which burns at both ends. He spent his prime of life nourishing the next generation and propelling the development of optical fiber. The giant of modern technology was an exemplary model to everyone of us indeed. His humbleness, witty remarks, intelligence and steadfast personality has left me with a distinctive impression which I would never forget. Mr. Kao is one who is worth of everyone’s respect.