Biography of Li Hongzhang

Author: Liang Qichao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-10-01
Features: To read the modern history of China, one cannot help but mention Li Hongzhang; to read the biography of Li Hongzhang, one cannot help but delve into the modern history of China. Li Hongzhang was undoubtedly a figure in the history of thousands of years of Chinese civilization, and he was also a figure in the history of the 19th century world. Li Hongzhang was like Huo Guang in his lack of learning, yet also like Zhuge Liang in being a military strategist, politician, and diplomat. He was akin to Guan Zhong to Bao Shu, and Han Xin to Xiao He. Moreover, he was compared to Metternich, Bismarck, and von Bethmann-Hollweg. Liang Qichao said, "I admire Li's talent, pity his limited vision, and mourn his fate." He also said, "Lacking learning and unwilling to break the mold—this is his weakness; unafraid of hard work and not avoiding slander—this is his strength."