Li Guanqi, a true-to-life farmer from Henan province, started his journey without much formal education beyond secondary school. Yet, driven by curiosity and determination, he solved a global issue by inventing a new type of man-made fiber. At the 42nd International Man-made Fibers Conference in Austria in 2003, his groundbreaking creation was hailed as the "eighth major man-made fiber," etching his name into the annals of modern textile history. Beyond being a scientist, Li Guanqi stands as a national hero. In 2007, his work, "Producing Soybean Protein Fiber from Soybean Meal," earned him the second prize at the National Science and Technology Progress Awards in Beijing. He became the first peasant to stand on such a prestigious stage.
Reflecting on his extraordinary life, one cannot help but wonder what secrets lie behind his success and what lessons his journey holds for education today. First, Li Guanqi's achievements stem from his unyielding spirit, entrepreneurial mindset, and relentless curiosity. After graduating high school in 1964, he began farming with little knowledge, pondering how best to cultivate crops and improve efficiency. When the village lacked a noodle machine, he opened a mill house, increasing the number of mills. Always eager to innovate, he studied books on machinery and installed machines for factories. By 1981, he established a flour machinery installation team and later founded a flour machinery factory. In 1986, recognizing the oil potential in pressed soybean meal, he developed oil extraction equipment. By 1990, inspired by the "vegetable basket project," he ventured into animal husbandry feed machinery, becoming a local millionaire through sheer ingenuity.
Secondly, Li Guanqi’s success hinges on his self-assurance, diligence, and perseverance. In 1991, after reading about extracting fiber from soybean meal in a foreign journal, he was determined to make this idea a reality. Despite having no formal scientific background, he embarked on a rigorous self-study journey, purchasing nearly 300,000 yuan worth of books on biochemistry, polymer science, physics, and more. For two years, he studied tirelessly, often staying up late or eating only once every two days. His efforts took a toll on his health, resulting in multiple hospital visits and significant weight loss. Despite financial struggles and personal sacrifices, he persevered, ultimately achieving a monumental breakthrough.
Thirdly, Li Guanqi's success is rooted in his lifelong passion for reading and exceptional self-learning abilities. Regularly devouring newspapers and magazines, he immersed himself in libraries, which eventually led him to discover the opportunity to explore soybean fiber. With minimal formal education, he tackled complex theories uncharted by American and British scientists for over 50 years, relying solely on self-teaching. His ability to blend theory with practice underscores his remarkable achievements.
Li Guanqi’s story proves that attending college is not the sole path to success. Confidence, hard work, persistence, critical thinking, and adaptability are crucial qualities for today’s youth. Our current focus on rote learning and high test scores is misguided. Instead, fostering a spirit of innovation and practical application is essential. Li Guanqi’s legacy reminds us that even without formal degrees, individuals can achieve greatness through grit, creativity, and relentless pursuit.
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