Presenter:
Li Zhi’s career gives us many perspectives on the Ming Dynasty in the years of its decline. Li veered from scholar-official to Buddhist lay brother to critic of his times—or more broadly of the whole course of Chinese civilization since Confucius. In each of these roles, he stirred up controversy and made enemies. He occasionally made friends and allies, too, but these were unable to prevent his arrest and death in custody. The talk, based on a new translation, focuses on the scandals (actual and imagined) surrounding Li Zhi’s writing.