Li Zhi

Li Zhi (1527–1602) was a Chinese philosopher and historian renowned for challenging traditional Confucian ideas and advocating for individual freedom, personal expression, and critical thinking. He emphasized the importance of authentic human emotions and believed that moral understanding should be rooted in personal experience rather than strict adherence to established doctrines. His writings often questioned authority and tradition, encouraging a more open and introspective approach to ethics and life. Li Zhi’s ideas contributed to the development of more liberal and humanistic thought in Chinese intellectual history.