Students in gowns throw their caps in front of the camera to celebrate upcoming graduation at Central China Normal University in Wuhan, Hubei Province on April 13, 2014. Photo: VCG

A sociological study on the history of farting, earned a graduate of a Central China's university praise from his thesis advisors and many giggles from netizens. 

Gao Jianwei graduated from a master program of Central China Normal University in Wuhan, Hubei Province more than a decade ago, but his thesis gained online fame on Sunday. 

The thesis examined ancient literature and found that letting out a healthy fart was socially acceptable way back then, arguing that the diet of poor people amplified the need to pass gas. People with privilege apparently had a better diet - fewer beans perhaps - and they turned the noisy body function into the taboo activity which is for most people, Gao's thesis said. 

Gao's thesis committee members were amused and impressed with his rich literature research and the sound argument, The Paper reported Sunday.

"Serious studies of odd topics are way better than serious topics with hollow narratives," a local professor told the media.

The Paper