A university’s motto reflects its educational philosophy and serves as a shared code of conduct for its community. National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) inherited the mottos of both National Yang Ming University (NYMU) and National Chiao Tung University (NCTU), while defining its spirit. The following introduces the spirit of NYCU and mottos of both NYMU and NCTU.
NYCU
Inheriting the mottos of its two predecessor universities, NYCU defined its spirit as: Devotion, Pragmatism,
Unity, and Illumination.
- Devotion: NYMY’s motto, “benevolent mind and art,” and NCTU’s spirit, “Remember the source when drinking water,” both emphasize contributing to society.
- Pragmatism: NYMU’s motto, “putting knowledge into practice,” and NCTU’s motto, “work pragmatically,” have inspired NYCU faculty and students to build solid foundations across all fields.
- Unity: Across diverse industries such as medicine and semiconductors, NYCU’s alumni culture is characterized by solidarity and mutual assistance. We believe “Together, we go far.”
- Illumination: NYMU’s maxim is “Second to none,” and NCTU’s maxim is “Be the light of the world.” We believe that innovative thinking will create the future for humankind.
NYMU
The university’s motto, “benevolent mind and art, putting knowledge into practice,” originates from Wang Yang-Ming’s philosophy of “the unity of knowledge and action.” The motto encourages faculty and students to care for humanity, pursue excellence, and apply these values in teaching and research, thereby fostering a distinguished academic tradition.
NCTU
Throughout its history, NCTU adopted different mottos— from the early 1900s, “Learn and work practically” ; in the 1920s, “Study assiduously, resolve to succeed, act decisively, and manage affairs with magnanimity” ; in the 1930s, “Seek the truths from facts,” and finally in 1974, calligraphy by former President Hung-Hsun Ling for NCTU in Hsinchu, “Absorb the new to look far ahead, and work pragmatically.” Together, these mottos emphasize a pragmatic spirit, highlight the distinctive character of the university’s education, shape students’ qualities, and carry profound significance.