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From Confucius to Shakespeare: East-West Classics Meet – "Link·SH: From Here to World" Lecture Series at Shanghai High School International Division

June 10, 2026

On June 5, Shanghai High School International Division (SHSID) hosted a special lecture as part of the "Link·SH: From Here to the World" lecture series, bringing together students, educators, and scholars to explore the connections between Eastern and Western classical thought.


Jointly organized by the Shanghai Federation of Social Sciences Associations, the Publicity Department of the Xuhui District Committee, Shanghai Century Publishing Group, and Shanghai Book Traders, the event aimed to promote intercultural dialogue and inspire globally minded young people with a strong understanding of both Chinese and international cultures.


More than 100 students, teachers, and staff gathered at the B1 Theater in Zhongxing Building for an afternoon of intellectual exchange and cultural exploration.



Project Launch: Building a Cultural Bridge

The event officially began at 1:00 p.m. with a brief launch ceremony. Representatives from the Shanghai Federation of Social Sciences Associations, the Xuhui District Publicity Department, Shanghai Century Publishing Group, and Shanghai Book Traders were joined by Zhang Zehong, Party Secretary of Shanghai High School, and SHSID student representative Alfie to officially launch the "Link·SH: From Here to the World" campus event.


Ma Feng, Vice Principal of Shanghai High School and Principal of SHSID High School, then presented Professor Shi Zhikang with a commemorative photo album to thank him for sharing his insights with the SHSID community.



Keynote Speech: Connecting Confucious and Shakespeare

The highlight of the event was the English keynote lecture titled "From Confucius to Shakespeare: Dialoguing with Eastern and Western Classical Thoughts," delivered by Professor Shi Zhikang, a renowned scholar of Shakespeare and classical Chinese culture.



Drawing on the teachings of Confucius and the works of Shakespeare, Professor Shi explored shared themes of morality, human nature, justice, and personal growth. Through engaging comparisons between Confucian philosophy and Renaissance ideals, he demonstrated how two influential cultural traditions, despite their different historical contexts, offer remarkably similar insights into what it means to live a meaningful and ethical life. One particularly memorable example compared Confucius's caution against overthinking with Shakespeare's portrayal of Hamlet, whose indecision ultimately leads to tragedy. Such parallels encouraged students to reflect on timeless questions about character, wisdom, and human behavior.


Bilingual Panel Discussion: In-depth Dialogue with Students

Following the lecture, Professor Shi participated in a bilingual panel discussion with student representatives from SHSID.



Students posed thoughtful questions in both English and Chinese, showcasing their strong communication skills and intellectual curiosity. Topics ranged from personal growth and self-discipline to the pursuit of excellence and the challenges of navigating life's uncertainties.


In response, Professor Shi drew on both Eastern and Western philosophical traditions to encourage students to balance ambition with self-reflection and to cultivate wisdom while striving for personal achievement. The discussion sparked lively engagement and resonated strongly with the audience.


Post-Event Exchange: Continuing Cross-Cultural Dialogue

Even after the formal program concluded, some students and teachers remained to continue their conversations with Professor Shi.


Several participants noted that the lecture offered fresh perspectives on the relationship between Chinese philosophy and Western literature. Teachers appreciated the cross-cultural approach, while students expressed renewed interest in exploring both Chinese classics and world literature.



By bringing together diverse intellectual traditions, the event not only broadened students' global perspectives but also strengthened their ability to engage in meaningful cross-cultural dialogue. As part of the "Link·SH: From Here to the World" series, the lecture provided a valuable opportunity for students to connect local cultural heritage with global conversations and to better understand their role in an increasingly interconnected world.


(Written by School Affair Center of High School)