Li Zhi was a famous thinker and writer in the Ming Dynasty. He was famous for his opposition to Confucius and Mencius.
Portrait of Li Zhi
Li Zhi was born in 1527. He is a Chinese, and his ancestors moved to Quanzhou, Fujian in the early Ming Dynasty. His original surname was Lin, but he later changed his name to Li Zhi, with the courtesy name Hongfu and Zhuowu. Li Zhi was very smart since he was a child. He started writing essays at the age of 12 and passed the high school examination at the age of 26. He served as an official in the court for more than 20 years, from an instructor in a county to a prefect, but he resigned from his official position when he was 55 years old.
After resigning, Li Zhi lived in Hubei, Beijing, Nanjing and other places, mostly in friends' homes or temples. During this period, Li Zhi studied classics and wrote books and lectures. Although his lectures were quite popular in the local area, he was often opposed by conservative forces such as the government and was expelled because of his "deviance". In 1602, Li Zhi was arrested and imprisoned, and his writings considered "heretical" were also burned. Soon after, Li Zhi committed suicide in prison. He was already seventy-six years old at the time. He was buried by his friends after his death.
Li Zhi wrote many books throughout his life, mainly including "Collection of Books", "Extended Collection of Books", "Book Burning", etc. In addition, he highly praised "Water Margin" and "The Romance of the West Chamber" and made his own commentaries on both of them . In his writings and lectures, he often commented on current affairs and commented on history. He opposed Confucianism, especially Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism, and criticized the oppression of feudal ethics on people; exposed and criticized the dark nature of feudal rule, and denounced political corruption; advocated utilitarianism and valued the status of businessmen; advocated the "childlike innocence theory" and believed that articles should not be falsified But to express one's true heart.
After Li Zhi's death, later generations gave him mixed reviews. However, although his works were repeatedly banned by the government, they became more widely circulated.
Li Zhi's Book Burning
Li Zhi wrote "Book Burning" and "Continued Burning Books", which are one of his masterpieces.
Li Zhi's works
"Book Burning" is a book written by Li Zhi when he lived in Zhifo Temple in Macheng. It is said that he was 64 years old when he completed it. The book has 6 volumes. "Continued Burning Books" was collected and compiled by Li Zhi's disciples after his death, with a total of 5 volumes. The two are very similar in nature and subject matter. The latter can be regarded as a supplement to the previous work. It collects what Li Zhi said and wrote after the completion of the previous work.
"Book Burning" is not a single collection of poems, novels, short essays and other genres. Its content includes Li Zhi's letters, essays, historical comments, poetry, etc., and also shows his political, social, and philosophical views. It covers a wide range of ideas and propositions, and is very comprehensive.
Although the content covers a wide range of topics, their themes are consistent. Throughout the book, Li Zhi criticizes Confucianism, especially Neo-Confucianism. Many of the articles satirize and criticize those literati and officials who talk about benevolence, justice and morality, but are actually harboring filth and evil. By criticizing the hypocrites and false Taoism disguised as Confucianism, Li Zhi began to doubt Confucianism and began to deny its orthodoxy. In "Book Burning", Li Zhi's words are sharp, like a sharp blade, poking directly at the weaknesses of Confucianism that has dominated Chinese thought for thousands of years, and even dissecting it to show the world its inner workings.
The entire idea of ??"Burning Books" was deviant and unacceptable to the world at that time, so Li Zhi gave it this name, thinking that it would only be destined to be burned. The result was just as he predicted. After being arrested and imprisoned, all his works were burned, including "Book Burning". After that, Li Zhi's works were banned and burned many times during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Even so, these books were repeatedly printed and widely circulated among the people.
Li Zhi’s former residence
After Li Zhi’s death, although people in the Ming and Qing dynasties gave him mixed praise, in modern times the progressive nature of his ideas and propositions was affirmed, and his status also followed. With the improvement, the place where he lived when he was a boy is now the former residence of Li Zhi.
Li Zhi’s former residence
Li Zhi’s former residence is now located at Wanshou Road, South Gate, Licheng District, Quanzhou, Fujian. Li Zhi was born here back then. Although his family was from Japan, his ancestors moved here in the early Ming Dynasty. According to records, it was during the Yongle period.
At that time, Li Zhi's family was very wealthy, especially Quanzhou, which was famous for its port trade, so the place where his former residence was located was a commercial area at that time. However, by the time Li Zhi was born, the family was already in decline and the old house was burned down. Therefore, this house was later rebuilt by Li Zhi and even expanded after his death. Even so, the former residence is just an ordinary private house, with homes and small shops on both sides. Only one hall has been preserved to this day, which has been restored as a memorial hall.
In the center of the courtyard of his former residence, there is a bust statue of Li Zhi, dressed as a scholar, with an old face and a frown. Under the statue is a square marble, with a brief introduction to Li Zhi's life in just a few words engraved on the front. Inside the courtyard is the only remaining hall. On the door of the hall hangs a horizontal plaque reading "Li Zhi's Former Residence" and a red lantern on each side. On the wall on the left, there is a wooden plaque hanging vertically, with the words "former residence of Li Zhi" on it. In the narrow hall, there is a full-length portrait and several display cabinets. In the display cabinets are Li Zhi's works and some historical materials. Engraved on the wall are couplets written by modern calligraphers. In addition, two seals of Li Zhi were unearthed in the former residence.
Today, Li Zhi's former residence has been listed as a key cultural relic protection unit in Fujian Province.
Evaluation of Li Zhi
Just as Li Zhi was both popular among the people and banned by the authorities during his lifetime, his evaluation by later generations was also mixed. He can be said to be one of the most polarizing historical figures. .
Statue of Li Zhi
After Li Zhi's death, many people in the current generation spoke highly of him, saying that he was rare in the country, praising him for his magnanimous talent, and some even respected him as a saint. However, after that, especially in the late Ming and Qing dynasties, more and more people belittled him, saying that he was confusing right and wrong and deceiving others with monstrous words. Some people also accused him of not being a good dog.
However, in modern times, people's evaluation of Li Zhi has mostly turned into praise, and his status has been affirmed. It is generally believed that Li Zhi is an outstanding thinker. Whether he criticizes feudal ethics, Confucianism, or advocates individuality and freedom, these thoughts are considered to be progressive and preceded the Ming Dynasty. Some of them are even in line with that time. The budding needs of capitalism. Therefore, "The Fifteenth Year of Wanli" commented that his personal wisdom was suppressed by the times and society. However, there are sometimes mistakes in understanding and praising him in modern times. For example, during the Cultural Revolution, he was considered a Legalist and an anti-Confucian hero.
Whether they are praising or slandering Li Zhi, they mainly focus on his ideological propositions and personal character. As far as ideology is concerned, the Ming Dynasty that Li Zhi lived in was repressive, rigid and lifeless. Regardless of whether his ideas were correct or not, because they did not conform to tradition, they could only become heresies at the time. Li Zhi's character is straightforward and sincere in the eyes of those who agree with it, but arrogant and arrogant in the eyes of those who oppose it. You can refer to what he wrote in his article "Self-Praise".
In addition to his thoughts and character, Li Zhi's spirit of sacrifice for the truth is also worthy of praise. This can be seen from the fact that he committed suicide in the end.