Li Zongwu's Classic Collection of Miscellaneous Writings

Author: Zhang Hong, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-12-01
Features: Li Zongwu's ancestors rose to prominence in Guangdong during the Southern Song Dynasty, entered Sichuan during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty, and their lineage continued for dozens of generations until the Republic of China, where Li Zongwu emerged as a comet in the intellectual world. He claimed to be the master of the "Thick-Nosed, Black-Faced" doctrine, taking upon himself the sins of the world. He loved to delve into philosophy and was fond of proposing unconventional ideas, establishing his sect with the motto "Thick Face, Black Heart." He expounded the six-word secret to success in seeking and holding office, as well as the two miraculous methods for handling affairs. "I am the number one villain," he declared, "My Thick-Nosed, Black-Faced doctrine is like adding fuel to the fire." Li Zongwu exposed the long-guarded secrets of success in the old officialdom. Cao Cao and Liu Bei, one black-hearted and the other face-thick, discussed heroes over wine, saying, "In this world, the only heroes are you and me!" Most philosophies and theories in the world mislead people, but Li Zongwu's ironclad "Thick-Nosed, Black-Faced Doctrine" never does. His words are utterly bizarre, and his meaning is deeply sorrowful. The greatest villains of all time, those who are ghosts and demons, are laid bare by Li Zongwu's pen. Those who have read books from ancient times to the present but have never read Li Zongwu's "Thick-Nosed, Black-Faced Doctrine" have missed out on a great life! In this time and place, I discuss this doctrine and write this article—was it in vain? The greatness of this book lies in telling the Chinese people how heavy the grief and pain of a genius, facing the declining state of the world, truly are. Li Zongwu's life and actions were far superior to those of Mr. Bai Yang, to the point of shocking heaven and moving earth. Yet he preached "thick-nosed, black-faced" and ruthlessly exposed the sores of the powerful and the weak, which inevitably led to his persecution.