DATUK SERI (DR.) ENG WEI CHUN – IS THERE STILL A PLACE FOR THE RENAISSANCE MAN?
Since the rise of Roman civilization, the Western world has witnessed the emergence of many great thinkers. These individuals spread across regions such as Italy, France, the United Kingdom, and later regions like Australia. Society often referred to them as Renaissance men, multi-talented figures who excelled in various fields, including physics, literature, music, sociology, theology, political science, and the arts.
Some of the most well-known examples include the Italians Leonardo da Vinci, Niccolò Machiavelli, and Galileo Galilei; the Germans Ludwig van Beethoven and Albert Einstein; the British Winston Churchill and Isaac Newton; the American Thomas Edison; and the Frenchmen Napoleon Bonaparte, Denis Diderot, and René Descartes. In China, the Ming Dynasty had its own “Four Talents of Jiangnan”: Zhu Yunming, Tang Bohu, Wen Zhengming, and Xu Zhenqing, who were also regarded as Renaissance men in their time.
The recent passing of Chua Lam, the last of Hong Kong’s renowned “Four Talents,” marked the end of a memorable cultural chapter. Hong Kong once had its own “Four Talents”: Jin Yong, Ni Kuang, James Wong, and Chua Lam, all of whom have now passed on. They were regarded by many as Renaissance men of their time, each known for their talents in multiple fields.
At that time, a so-called “Renaissance man” referred to someone who was well- versed in a wide range of cultural pursuits such as music, chess, calligraphy, painting, food, drink, leisure, and entertainment. In addition, he was expected to possess a high level of general knowledge, including sociology, history, economics, and more. Only those who met such standards could truly be called a Renaissance man.
If we observe and reflect carefully, we may begin to notice under what kind of circumstances Renaissance men tend to emerge. Or put another way, what kind of society is capable of nurturing them? Based on my personal analysis, they tend to flourish during times of economic growth and political stability. Conversely, in times of economic hardship, social unrest, or even survival challenges, these individuals find it difficult to grow and often lack the space and support needed to develop their full potential.
In today’s increasingly unstable world, where trade wars dominate business and extreme ideologies polarize society, it is harder than ever for Renaissance men to find their footing.
Take Hong Kong in the 1980s as an example. During that time of major reforms, the government aimed to transform the city into an international financial hub. Friendly and progressive policies promoted healthy development. The establishment of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) marked a serious effort to fight corruption. Meanwhile, freedom of the press and a vibrant film industry provided fertile ground for creativity and cultural production. These factors, often unnoticed at the time, helped shape the environment in which Hong Kong’s “Four Talents” emerged and made the city shine as the “Pearl of the Orient.”
From all these observations, we can conclude that the greater the number of Renaissance men in a place, the more it reflects that society’s cultural maturity, prosperity, and vitality. These individuals, in their own quiet way, also become ambassadors for their nations. Through their work, they spread culture, values, and national pride.
In fact, Malaysia has also produced many Renaissance men, although they tend to carry themselves with humility and keep a low profile. In my view, Malaysia has tremendous potential to nurture even more of such individuals. We are a healthy, multicultural nation built on harmony and mutual respect, with political stability, continuous economic growth, and a free and vibrant education system. Without a doubt, Malaysia is a land of hidden talents. If our Renaissance men are willing to step out from the shadows, I truly believe they will soar in the near future, like dragons rising into the sky, creating a brighter future and helping the people of Malaysia live with greater ease and fulfillment.
Although we are currently facing various challenges both within the country and from abroad, I firmly believe that through the joint efforts of the Malaysian people and government, we will one day rise to become a developed and respected country.
Translated from original article source:
https://www.enanyang.my/news/20250721/Testimonia-Column/932390
