Soul of Academia

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will know them.” – Matthew 7: 15-20

Academia is where knowledge is nurtured and minds are refined, I believe that the soul of this noble pursuit is interwoven with trust, sincerity, and integrity – values shaping the mindset, attitude, morality, and courtesy of every true academician. Just as the bible scriptures warns against deception, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves.” so too the academic world demands honesty.

Just as one does not gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles, genuine academics yield fruits reflecting their nature. A tree, whether good or rotten, is known by the quality of its fruit. A good academician is rooted in trust, sincerity, and integrity, On the other hand, one who lacks these “deep” roots will inevitably yield fruit that lacks substance and truth.

As an academician, I strongly uphold the value of trust which stems from honesty and reliability. The realm of academia flourishes when ideas are shared without the fear of being manipulated or deceived. I genuinely seek the truth and depth of knowledge with sincerity, in the hope that the fruits I bear are pure and nourishing to the intellect.

Integrity is in my opinion the most revered virtue. It is the star that guides the trajectory of my academic journey. It directs my every step, aligning my actions with my beliefs. Just as a root of integrity shapes the form and stability of a tree, my academic integrity ensures that my work is trustworthy, and my teachings endure the test of time.

In the hierarchy of values, these intrinsic virtues shape my mindset, attitude and morality. I strive to possess a positive and growth-oriented mindset in my approach to learning, problem-solving, and thus embracing new ideas. I personal reckon that having a constructive and open-minded attitude is essential. This involves approaching subjects, research, and collaboration with enthusiasm and a willingness to engage with diverse perspectives. A positive academic attitude encourages healthy discussions, fosters creativity, and promotes a culture of mutual respect and support among peers. I strongly believe in maintaining high moral standards to ensure that the pursuit of knowledge remains unbiased, reliable, and trustworthy. I am aware of the responsibility of upholding the ethical integrity of my work, ensuring that my contributions benefit the society without harm. At all times, I respect and treat my peers, mentors, and students with courtesy. Courtesy creates an atmosphere of collaboration and goodwill, fostering an environment where ideas can flourish, and intellectual growth can thrive.

Just as a tree that does not bear good fruit is destined to be cast into the fire, so too will those who forsake the soul of academia face the consequences of their meaningless endeavours. I constantly remind myself to stay rooted and grounded, upholding these intrinsic values, that my academic legacy shall endure as a beacon of wisdom and authenticity.

– Mark Lee W.F.