A classroom at Renmin University of China had no empty seats on Tuesday evening, with nearly a hundred students squeezed into a space meant for forty. Many students, eagerly anticipating the course called Art and Brain taught by Professor Zhu Rui, sat on the floor in order to take in the lecture.

The 55-year-old philosophy professor, leaning on his trekking pole, slowly entered the classroom. “Hello, students!” he greeted everyone with a smile, his gloved hands grasping the microphone. With a slightly hoarse voice, he embarked on the hour-and-a-half lecture.

As he exchanged ideas with students and answered their questions, the students almost forgot that the cheerful, humorous professor was also dealing with terminal cancer. To simply stand before them and deliver the lecture, he depended on pain-relieving medication.

“The most important mission in my life is to impart knowledge to my students, and guide them to pursue knowledge and truth,” Zhu said in an interview with Xinhua.

“Teaching is what I’m meant to do”

For many years, Zhu Rui devoted himself to the interdisciplinary research of philosophy and neuroscience, teaching at universities both at home and abroad. In 2020, he became a member of the School of Philosophy at Renmin University of China. Over the past 30 years, Zhu’s greatest passion has lied in teaching.

Zhu was diagnosed with cancer in late August, 2022. After undergoing treatment for some time, he chose to return to the classroom.

He had kept quiet about his illness until the beginning of this year, when his deteriorating condition compelled him to “come clean” to his students.

“Dedication, diligence, respect and courage are Professor Zhu’s most admirable qualities,” said Zhao Hairuo, a doctoral student and teaching assistant of Zhu Rui. He revealed that his professor endured the pain of chemotherapy and never took a break during a single class.

Zhu believes in the teaching philosophy of “learning together,” which rejects one-way communication and encourages students to express their own opinions. “I see all of you as my equals, my friends, and fellow scholars,” he said.

“Teaching is what I’m meant to do,” Zhu said. He eagerly looks forward to each class every week. “Communicating with students makes me happy. For me, it expands the breadth of my life.”

“I treat philosophy as a way of life”

“I’m passionate about Philosophy. I have never seen it as a tool but rather as a way of life,” Zhu said.

Zhu’s profound love and lifelong study and teaching of Philosophy have endowed him with transcendent wisdom and clarity of life, allowing him to be at ease with his illness.

"If I die on the rostrum one day, please don’t weep for me. Be proud of me instead," he smiled and said to his students. "If my experience inspires you, I’d be more than happy."

Is it true that philosophers don’t fear death? "Philosophy has indeed given me a lot of wisdom, enabling me to think with reason and make the right choices during times of insurmountable difficulties," Zhu said in response to this question.

For Zhu Rui, while death is unavoidable, a qualified philosopher who lives up to his words should overcome the irrational fear of death and do what needs to be done.

"Would you prefer to leave with dignity in the face of death, or to let fear drag you away?" he asked himself. "I choose the former. The pursuit of knowledge brings supreme happiness. I focus more on the quality of life."

"Inspire and encourage others anytime, anywhere."

Discovering the beauty of life requires interest and attention, Zhu said. Before falling ill, he also enjoyed mountain climbing and swimming, and had a deep love for classical Chinese paintings and poetry, particularly the poems of Bai Juyi. His sincere love for life, his undeviating pursuit of knowledge, and the exemplary moral character and vibrant vitality he has shown while battling this illness have deeply impressed and inspired both his students and colleagues.

"This class has given me much more than mere knowledge. It has prompted me to rethink the meaning of life and examine that of my own," said Hu Kexin, one of Zhu’s students, who had previously come across many touching stories in books but found none as moving as the words and actions of her teacher. "Such profound inspiration and impact on our souls are difficult to put into words."

“Education on life and death is a crucial aspect of philosophical education,” said Zang Fengyu, dean of the School of Philosophy.

"I have gained a lot from this course," said Shi Yifan, an undergraduate student from the School of Information. "Professor Zhu, in his own way, has taught us what death is, how to love life, and how to make meaningful use of our limited time."