Tsinghua University has been facing an avalanche of criticism lately, following reports that an experimental class on liberal arts and social sciences is required to take a course on the Four Books.

Along with the Five Classics, Four Books was rudimentary reading for all people of letters in old China.

A commentary on China Daily said that no doubt people are proud of China's cultural past, but few actually know what "Chinese culture" stands for.

The article says some dislike the Tsinghua initiative. They say Four Books are too basic for college students. Some critics even ridicule Tsinghua for resorting to an outdated moral compass, saying some of the moral instructions in Four Books may sound irrelevant to the people of today.

Some argue that Tsinghua has taken a sensible first step. It has done a great job by making Four Books required reading. The historical significance of Four Books in traditional Chinese teaching means they are the best way for beginners to acquaint themselves with Chinese culture.

The article further elaborates that although the classic books were read by children in the past, few of today's PhDs might have read them. Not exposing college students to such essential classics just because they are "too old" is not justifiable.

The article cites some people saying Four Books is too simple to improve students' proficiency in traditional Chinese, while some believe they are great examples of traditional literature. They say reading Four Books can help cultivate a better sense of cultural tradition and inspire reflections on our moral well-being.