Introduction

Topic and aims Individuals who combine a concern for political issues with non-technical or ‘humanistic’ erudition – such as a mastery of historical facts and interpretations, philosophical thought, literature and writing – have long held a prominent and privileged position in Chinese society. They have animated the political sphere of the country from the imperial bureaucracy to the reformist and revolutionary movements of the twentieth century. Founding members of the Chinese Communist Party such as Chen Duxiu (1879-1942) and Li Dazhao (1888-1927) belonged to this category. Mao Zedong (1893-1976) himself wrote poetry and philosophy, read dynastic annals, quoted from the classics and prided himself on being China’s foremost interpreter of Marxism-Leninism. Figures of this ilk articulate thoughts and opinions in an especially eloquent and diversified fashion, and historically their identity has been central to the definition of China and its culture. This is why listening to Chinese humanists and reflecting on their mindset greatly enhances our understanding of China.