Li Zhi

Li Zhi (1527–1602), pseudonym Zhuowu, was a Chinese philosopher, historian, and writer during the late Ming dynasty. A prominent critic of the prevailing Neo-Confucian orthodoxy, his unorthodox views led to persecution and his eventual suicide in prison. Li Zhi's philosophy is largely characterized by his concept of the "childlike heart-mind" (tong xin), which he saw as the source of genuine thought and feeling, free from societal conditioning and external principles. He contrasted this with the "phony" mind corrupted by conformity and rigid adherence to tradition. His ideas on the "childlike heart-mind" were complex and sometimes seen as relativist, but scholars like Pauline Lee argue for their intrinsic value in understanding his cultural milieu. Li Zhi challenged established Confucian norms, notably advocating for gender equality and arguing that women possessed intellectual and spiritual capacities equal to men. He also held a high esteem for fiction, contrary to many contemporaries who disdained it, believing that literature originating from the "childlike heart-mind" was exquisite. His works, such as "A Book to Burn" and "A Book to Keep (Hidden)," reflect his critical stance on contemporary scholars and his unique philosophical insights. Despite facing condemnation and persecution, Li Zhi remained a significant, albeit controversial, figure in Chinese intellectual history.