Review Li Ao

Author: Yan Jiu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-11-01
Features: Li Ao's cultural journey across the Mainland, Taiwan, and Hong Kong has inevitably stirred up a whirlwind. With his rich life experiences, unconventional personality, profound cultural literacy, and significant influence in cross-strait cultural affairs, this mainland visit has garnered widespread attention and become a major event in cross-strait civil cultural exchange. Commenting on Li Ao is divided into five parts: Peking University Lecture, Tsinghua University Lecture, Fudan University Lecture, Media Interviews, and Cultural Scenes. It includes authoritative critiques from official sources, personal accounts by Liu Changle, the CEO of Phoenix TV, insightful comments from renowned scholars, engaging interviews with famous media figures, and diverse opinions from university students, faculty, and ordinary citizens. Additionally, the appendix collects public opinion surveys on Li Ao's cultural journey from China Youth Daily and Sohu Net, as well as verbatim records of his speeches at Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Fudan University. This book is a remarkable blend of authority, professionalism, richness, and depth.
Of course, what attracts us is not Li Ao's stories or history, nor his harsh words, arrogant pronouncements, witty remarks, sharp critiques, or sensationalism. What matters is Li Ao's attitude—his stance toward history. Without attitude, there would be no Li Ao, no 96 books banned, and no three prison sentences. In his early years, Li Ao wrote constantly, sometimes even publishing a book a month. But he didn’t just write about history or life; he tested history, struck at its core, overturned its false foundations, disrupted its rigged games, and exposed the masks of reality. In recent years, Li Ao has spoken endlessly. Unlike other media figures, he thinks deeply and speaks sharply, performing with cunning intelligence. Li Ao lacks worldly power but upholds the role of intellectuals as natural opponents and watchdogs of the government. Though he never became a historian or a professional scholar, he used history to depict reality vividly and incisively. His methods go beyond mere criticism and lawsuits—they include turning tragedies into comedies, revealing hidden truths, and embracing historical responsibility.
Self-proclaimed as the "cultural Sancho Panza and social Robin Hood," Li Ao, through his spirited historical attitude and knife-sharp, spicy words, combined with his performative TV presence, transformed from an intellectual into a "know-it-all," from someone with an attitude into a supplier of opinions. Li Ao has aged, some say. He has become skilled at showmanship and financial management. Li Ao has aged, of course—history has advanced, the wall of "taboo" has fallen, and liberalists no longer have dense targets to aim at. The times have gradually moved away from the warrior. Yet, we still need a correct attitude, and our era still lacks clear and insightful opinion suppliers. Li Ao is a historian; history enlightens the mind, and his deep historical foundation has shaped his ultimate allegiance. Let us join Li Ao in his contemplative and independent style, reflecting on history and the future.