Li Zhi (Ming Dynasty)

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Li Zhi (traditional Chinese: 李贄; simplified Chinese: 李贽; pinyin: Lǐ Zhì, 1527-1602) was a prominent Chinese philosopher, historian and writer in the late Ming dynasty.

[edit] Biography

He was born in Jinjiang, Fujian province, the descendant of a Persian woman whom his seventh-generation ancestor married. He is also often referred to by his courtesy name Zhuowu (卓吾).

His philosophy was based upon Neo-Confucianism. Strongly disagreeing with assimilating oneself to conventional behavior, Li Zhi tried to spread his ideas. He can be seen as having been influenced by Wang Yangming (1472-1529), and he preached a form of moral relativism. He denied that women were inferior to men. However, he was accused for his attempt to spread "dangerous ideas" along with other guilts by Zhang Wenda and was ultimately jailed. He committed suicide in prison in 1602. ^[1]

[edit] References

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