On Li Zhi’s Theory of Growing up in Spirit

Abstract

The theory of growing up in spirit is the core of Li Zhi s thought. The theory attempts to get rid of the limit of the rigid ethical doctrine of Confucianism and to encourage growth in a helpful person for the benefit of the country, which demands both a free environment of society and enough courage and insight of the individual. At the same time, the criterion of growing up in spirit indicates the limitation of Li Zhi s thought. His free exploration, however, provides various revelations for us.