World classics gain new life in digital age

Huang Weiwei [Photo provided to China Daily]

The second World Conference of Classics is being held from June 9 to 10 in Athens, Greece, bringing together scholars from around the world to discuss the preservation of classical civilizations, explore their contemporary relevance and foster cross-cultural dialogue at a time of growing global exchange and renewed interest in humanity's shared cultural roots.

Ahead of the event, China Daily surveyed 352 young people across six continents, more than 96 percent of whom belong to Generation Z. The findings offer a snapshot of how young people today encounter, interpret and connect with classical traditions from both the East and the West.

In the digital age, technology has changed how people experience classical culture. Films, video games and short videos have made ancient civilizations more familiar and accessible than ever before. But this wider reach also raises a question: how can classical culture be popularized without losing its depth?

According to China Daily's findings, 54.5 percent of respondents engage with classical culture primarily through popular media, while only 13.9 percent pursue systematic academic study. This gap may seem striking, but Huang Weiwei, a professor at the Center for Greek Studies of Beijing International Studies University (BISU), sees the figure in a more positive light.

"In fact, 13.9 percent is a high proportion for rigorous classical study," Huang explained. She noted that classical studies often require years of training in ancient languages — such as Greek, Latin, Sanskrit, or classical Chinese — as well as training in textual criticism and interpretation.

For most young people, digital media are often their first gateway to classical culture.

Huang described this trend as "an inevitable product of today's media environment" and emphasized that creative, audience-friendly formats can help make classical culture more approachable for younger generations. But she also cautioned that accessibility should not come at the cost of depth.

"Entertainment satisfies instant gratification, whereas classical studies pursue truth — these aims are fundamentally different," she said.

The survey also showed which parts of classical culture resonate most with young people. Among Chinese cultural elements, "martial arts, myths and Eastern fantasy stories" ranked first, attracting 31.3 percent of respondents. By contrast, only 10.8 percent chose "the wisdom of ancient thinkers such as Confucius".

Huang said the results reflect a long-standing discussion in classical studies: narrative versus abstract thought.

"Stories engage the emotions, while philosophy appeals to the rational mind," she explained. "It's natural that most people are drawn to narrative rather than abstract reasoning."

Yet Huang stressed that the two should not be treated as opposites. Literary works can also convey profound ideas, and philosophy can be brought to life through imagination and storytelling. For her, keeping classical culture alive means combining intellectual depth with a compelling narrative.

"Many great thinkers communicated complex ideas through allegory," she said. "Zhuangzi in China and Plato in the West both used stories to express sophisticated concepts."

The survey also pointed to another encouraging trend: young people's openness to comparing civilizations. About 38 percent of respondents said they were most intrigued by "discovering that two distant civilizations can share similar philosophical views" while 32.4 percent were impressed by "completely different solutions to the same problem".

Huang describes this mindset as "mature pluralism".

"Today's youth can appreciate shared human concerns while respecting cultural differences," she said. "It's not about ranking civilizations or assuming everyone is the same. It's about finding common ground without erasing diversity."

Meanwhile, young people are increasingly aware that classical heritage is more than physical relics. While 21 percent of respondents expressed concern about damage to artifacts and historic sites, 30.7 percent worried about the loss of language and philosophical understanding.

This awareness raises a deeper question: what relevance does classical study hold for young people today?

Huang said many students at BISU struggle with Greek or Latin and sometimes wonder whether such difficult study is worth it. Her answer is that classical education provides a long-term perspective, offering a form of "immunity" against the fragmentation and distractions of modern life.

"When we read the classics, we see that challenges faced thousands of years ago are not so different from our own," she said. "This perspective strengthens us, helping us face today's problems without feeling isolated or powerless. We study the classics to live more consciously in the present — and to meet the future with hope."