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 from which his seven generation grand father married. He is also often referred to by his courtesy name Zhuowu (卓吾).

His philosophy was based upon the Neo-Confucianism. Strongly disagreeing with assimilating oneself to conventional behavior, Li Zhi tried to spread his ideas. He can be seen as influenced Wang Yangming (1472-1529), and he preached a form of moral relativism. However, he was ultimately jailed for his attempt to spread "dangerous ideas". He committed suicide in prison in 1602.