Biography of Li Hongzhang

Author: Liang Qichao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-01-01
Features: To read the modern history of China, one cannot avoid Li Hongzhang; to read the biography of Li Hongzhang, one cannot avoid the modern history of China. Li Hongzhang must be a figure in the history of thousands of years of Chinese history, and he must also be a figure in the history of the 19th century world. Li Hongzhang is like Huo Guang in his lack of learning, yet like Zhuge Liang in being a military strategist, politician, and diplomat. He is as close to Guan Zhong to Bao Shu, and Han Xin to Xiao He. Moreover, he is compared to Metternich, Bismarck, and von Bethmann-Hollweg. Liang Qichao said, "Respect Li's talent, pity Li's knowledge, and lament Li's fate." He also said, "Lacking learning and not daring to break the mold are his shortcomings; not shirking labor and not fearing slander are his strengths."