**Abstract: International Mathematical Master Yau Cheng-Tong Engages in "Peak Dialogue" at Tsinghua University** On the afternoon of September 18, Tsinghua University hosted the fourth session of its "Peak Dialogue" series in the Datong Hall of the Humanities Library. The event featured an international mathematical master, Yau Cheng-Tong, who is a Harvard University lifetime professor and the director of Tsinghua University's Mathematical Sciences Center. Yau was joined by Tsinghua University's renowned mathematician, Professor Zheng Shaoyuan, for a dialogue centered around the theme "Geometry and Nature." The session was a part of Tsinghua's initiative to encourage direct interaction between students and academic luminaries, aiming to foster a spirit of questioning and challenging established academic paradigms. **Key Events:** - **"Peak Dialogue" Session:** The fourth event of the series, focusing on the theme "Geometry and Nature." - **Yau Cheng-Tong's Lecture:** Yau delivered a thematic speech titled "Experiences and Personal Opinions on Scientific Innovation." He emphasized the beauty and truth of mathematics, explaining his choice of mathematics as a lifelong career. Yau highlighted the importance of mathematics as the foundation of all basic sciences and a crucial link between technology and cognitive science. He argued that developing mathematics and basic sciences is essential for China's path to becoming a wealthy and powerful nation. - **Harvard's Success and Implications:** Drawing from his extensive experience at Harvard, Yau shared insights on what Tsinghua can learn from Harvard's rise in the mathematical community. He stressed the need for good living conditions and a supportive research atmosphere, which includes having excellent graduate and undergraduate students to engage and inspire professors. - **Interactive Q&A Session:** Following the lecture, Yau and Zheng engaged in a lively discussion with students. They addressed various topics, including academic frontiers, current hotspots, and personal experiences in research. Yau provided valuable advice on dealing with the uncertainty and failures often encountered in academic pursuits, encouraging students to find joy in the process rather than solely focusing on immediate results. - **Advice on Academic Choices:** Yau also discussed the trend of students choosing to study abroad, urging them to make thoughtful and informed decisions. He emphasized that while studying abroad can offer unique opportunities, it is not the only path to success in academia. - **Inspirational Closing Remarks:** Both Yau and Zheng concluded the session with inspirational messages. Yau encouraged students to cultivate perseverance and a positive attitude, likening academic research to fishing in a pond where persistence leads to success. Zheng shared the importance of "freedom of will and independence of spirit" in academic endeavors. **Key People:** - **Yau Cheng-Tong:** International mathematical master, Harvard University lifetime professor, and director of Tsinghua University's Mathematical Sciences Center. - **Zheng Shaoyuan:** Renowned mathematician and Tsinghua University professor. - **Tsinghua Graduate Students:** Active participants in the dialogue, asking questions and engaging with the speakers. - **Liu Bohan:** President of Tsinghua University's Graduate Student Council, who presented gifts to the professors. **Location:** - **Tsinghua University, Beijing, China:** The event took place in the Datong Hall of the Humanities Library. **Time:** - **September 18, 2022:** The date of the "Peak Dialogue" session. **Summary:** The "Peak Dialogue" event at Tsinghua University was a significant academic gathering that brought together students and leading mathematicians. Yau Cheng-Tong, a distinguished figure in the field of mathematics, shared his profound insights on the importance of mathematics in scientific innovation and national development. He emphasized the need for a supportive academic environment and the mutual learning process between students and professors. The interactive Q&A session provided students with practical advice on handling academic challenges and making informed decisions about their educational paths. Both Yau and Zheng inspired the students with their wisdom and encouragement, promoting a culture of perseverance and independent thinking. The event underscored Tsinghua University's commitment to fostering critical thinking and innovation among its students, aligning with the broader goals of "Peak Dialogue" to stimulate intellectual curiosity and academic excellence.