A Star Falls in the Universe, Its Light Shines for a Thousand Ages — In Solemn Mourning for Mr. Yang Chen-Ning
- FOFA
- Nov 15
- 3 min read
In October 2025, a great heart that explored the mysteries of the universe ceased to beat. Nobel Prize laureate in Physics, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and internationally recognized giant of 20th-century physics, Mr. Yang Chen-Ning, has passed away at the venerable age of one hundred and three.
Sir's departure is an immense loss to the entire global scientific community. The scientific legacy he leaves behind is like a towering lighthouse that will forever illuminate the path for future generations exploring the world of physics.
A Titan of Science, A Monument That Reshaped Modern Physics
Mr. Yang Chen-Ning's scientific achievements are an immortal legend etched into the annals of science. In 1956, he and Mr. Tsung-Dao Lee jointly proposed the theory of "parity non-conservation," which overturned a fundamental concept revered as a golden rule in the physics community and sent shockwaves through the entire scientific world. The following year, they were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics, becoming the first Chinese scientists to receive this prestigious honor and demonstrating the brilliant wisdom of the Chinese people to the world.
However, the Nobel Prize was far from the apex of his academic accomplishments. The "Yang-Mills gauge theory," which he co-founded with Professor Robert Mills, is the most dazzling jewel in his scientific crown. This theory is the cornerstone upon which the "Standard Model" of particle physics is built and can be considered the guiding principle for the development of physics in the latter half of the 20th century. While Einstein spent the later years of his life searching for a "unified field theory" without success, Mr. Yang Chen-Ning, with gauge theory as his key, opened a grand avenue for posterity toward a "Theory of Everything." Many physicists widely acknowledge him as one of the greatest theoretical physicists of the 20th century, following Einstein and Dirac.
The Pure Heart of a Patriot, A Love for His Homeland That Crossed Mountains and Seas
Mr. Yang Chen-Ning was not only a scientist but also a patriot with deep affection for his nation. Born in the old China, a nation plagued by poverty and weakness, he personally experienced war and turmoil, and thus deeply understood the importance of a strong and prosperous country. Though separated by the circumstances of his era and residing abroad for many years, his attachment to his homeland never faded.
As times changed, he became a vital bridge connecting the scientific communities of China and the world. He leveraged his reputation and influence to pour immense effort into promoting the development of China's scientific endeavors, nurturing talent, and fostering international exchange. In his later years, he made a profoundly symbolic decision: to renounce his American citizenship, officially return to China, and accept a full-time professorship at Tsinghua University. This was not merely a return of identity but a spiritual homecoming—a solemn promise of his "unreserved dedication" to the scientific and educational cause of his motherland.
A Sage of Life, A Fulfilling and Regret-Free Answer Sheet
In the public eye, Sir's marriage to Ms. Weng Fan once drew considerable attention. However, time has proven it to be a partnership based on mutual understanding and spiritual harmony. In a moving tribute published after his passing, Ms. Weng Fan wrote, "How fortunate I was to have his companionship for so many years!" She wrote that his life "submitted a satisfactory answer sheet," one filled with "idealism and dedication," "happiness and fulfillment," and "deep gratitude."
Just as Sir expressed in a poem on his ninetieth birthday, his life was one of "walking in the light," "unyielding and unbroken," and "without regret or resentment." He not only reached a height in science that is difficult for ordinary people to attain but also achieved a state of profound clarity and harmony in his life, finding inner peace and happiness.
Today, Sir has transformed into a shining star in the night sky. When we look up at the stars, it is as if we can still see his gentle and wise smile. His scientific spirit embodies the principle, "As heaven maintains its vigor through movement, a gentleman should constantly strive for self-perfection." His character and integrity exemplify the virtue, "As the earth's condition is receptive devotion, a gentleman should support the outer world with broad-mindedness."
Mr. Yang Chen-Ning is gone, but the wisdom and spirit he left to this world will, like the gauge fields he described, eternally resonate through time and space, inspiring generation after generation to advance bravely on the path of pursuing truth and light.
Sir, your legacy will endure forever. May you rest in peace.
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