Yourong Frank Wang

I mourn the passing of Professor Yang and celebrate his legacy — in theoretical physics, public scientific advisory, and academic leadership.

I am not qualified to comment on his genius, perseverance, or enlightenment, nor, when I do, to expect my opinions be worth any glances. This voice is simply one among millions he inspired.

Speaking for myself, being a “contemporary” of his — learning physics while he was still active, and having conducted a self-directed study on Yang–Mills theory for my Auckland QFT seminar — were soothing experiences. I felt I was still bathed in the afterglow of the silver age of great physics discoveries. Physicists are not Greek deities, of course; our Mythosis not about fearing the unknown, but about venturing into it, taking notes.

Seeing a textbook figure pass away sometimes feels like a figurative umbilical cord being severed. The future arrives a little more, as a giant past enters history.

Professor Yang’s work unified three of the four fundamental forces of nature. Of course, there is still one out there.

Lastly, on a personal note. I do realise parts of my modus operandi are based upon an overtly optimistic assumption that I’d remain observant, thinking, remembering into old age as many of the giants. I am young once. I gotta do what I gotta do.