Li Da

Li Da (1890–1966) was a prominent Chinese Marxist philosopher and a foundational figure in the early Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Born into a tenant farmer family in Hunan, Li's intellectual journey began with studies in Japan, where he was exposed to Marxism–Leninism through Japanese translations. He became one of the earliest Chinese Marxists, actively translating key Marxist texts into Chinese and playing a crucial role in disseminating these ideas within China. Li was a co-founder of the CCP, serving on its early leadership and heading its Propaganda Department. He was involved in establishing the People's Publishing House and edited the journal "The Communist." Despite a temporary departure from the CCP in 1923 due to ideological disagreements, he continued his scholarly work, publishing significant texts like "Modern Sociology" and "Elements of Sociology," which solidified his position as an Orthodox Marxist. He held academic positions at various institutions and was known for his commitment to Marxist theory and education. After the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Li rejoined the CCP and held leadership roles in education, including serving as President of Hunan University and Wuhan University. His later life was marked by political turmoil, and he died in 1966 during the Cultural Revolution. He was posthumously rehabilitated.