Recently, Yuan Longping, a famed Chinese scientist, was nominated as one of the three candidates for Nobel Peace Prize because of his innovation — the hybrid rice that has made great strides to eliminate world starvation. The innovation by Yuan has benefited us a lot.

    Once working as an unknown rural teacher in a remote school, Yuan did not give up his dream to pursue the truth of science. He took finding a solution to solve starvation in both China and the world as his own responsibility. It might have been hard for him if he did not believe in such responsibility.

    He started his scientific research in 1960, and after 15 years, he finally invented a new hybrid rice. He continues to optimize the rice variety even today. In other words, he has spent his whole life improving the production of rice. During such a long scientific trek, Yuan met countless setbacks, but he never gave up. For instance, after a new species that he spent eight years developing was destroyed by accident, he restarted his work quickly. The way to innovate is surely not smooth; without persistence, it is just a daydream.

    Although Yuan has received plenty of awards and honors all over the world, he stays far from the vanity fair and works in his paddy field. He knows better than most that once one has been exposed to the public, he might not have the enthusiasm to continue his research.

    Not only in scientific research, but to fulfill any goal or dream requires such an attitude: Be responsible, think for wider interests and keep doing what we want to do.