In 1527, a child named Li Zhen was born in Quanzhou, Fujian Province, and his life was full of color and controversy. Do you know why he has attracted so much controversy? Today, let's unveil the mystery of Li Zhen and see how this ancient man stood out in the changing Ming Dynasty, and how he insisted on himself in a harsh life and refused to go with the flow.
In 1527, when the Renaissance was coming to an end, Li Zhen was born. However, Li Zhen is not interested in this mechanical way of memorizing, and he pays more attention to the truth and meaning behind knowledge.
Li Zhen's intelligence and talent did not make him a seeker of fame and fortune. At the age of twenty-six, he passed the examination with ease, but he never took the higher Jinshi exam since. This was very rare at the time, because for most people, the imperial examination was the only way to change their fate.
Despite this, Li Zhen chose to be an official. But unlike those high-powered officials, he prefers low-key and mundane positions. Li Zhen's choice is obviously different, and his attitude and behavior are often incredible.
Li Zhen's officialdom career was not smooth. He hated the deceit of officialdom and was unwilling to bend his waist for five buckets of rice. He prefers to work behind closed doors and study rather than engage in complex political struggles.
Li Zhen's talent and spirit of independent thinking have allowed him to achieve very high academic achievements. In particular, he was critical of Cheng Zhu Lixue, which was prevalent at the time, which was extremely controversial at the time. His scholarly views, especially his criticism of Confucius, caused an uproar at one point, even costing him his life.
Because of his refusal to be a high-ranking official, his life has been very poor. His two daughters died of poverty, which was the greatest tragedy of Li Zhen's life. Despite facing such a predicament, Li Zhen has never changed his attitude and pursuit of life.
During his tenure, Li Zhen worked hard to implement reforms and sought to improve the local political and social environment. He advocated streamlining administration and delegating power, reducing taxes, and practicing benevolent government, and was deeply loved by the people. However, the good times were short-lived, and he was forced to leave his post soon after because his policies touched local forces.
This brilliant but ill-fated scholar was more of an academic solace in his later years. He is the author of a number of works, many of which are incisive criticisms of the times and advocates innovation.
Li Zhen's life was a challenge to tradition and authority, and he interpreted in his own way what true learning and life are. Although some of his views were not understood at the time, his independence and non-conformist spirit left an indelible mark on history.
In his view, true learning should not be empty book knowledge, but should be truths that can guide practice and improve people's lives. He adheres to his academic stance and uses his life experience to tell us that true courage is not to cater to the times, but to dare to dialogue with the times, even if it is alone.
Li Zhen's life can be described as "not following the crowd". In today's era of information explosion, Li Zhen's story is even more precious, reminding us to have our own judgment and not be easily swayed by the outside world. Are you ready to follow in Li Zhen's footsteps and walk out of your own unique path?