The Philosophy of Thick and Black

This iconic work, often regarded as one of the most unusual publications of the Republic of China era, has remained a bestseller in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan since the 1980s. The author, Li Zongwu, takes a distinctive approach to examining the true nature of China’s historical leaders and sages. By setting aside conventional ideas of morality and virtue, he argues that their success stemmed from a combination of cunning and ruthlessness, a quality he calls “thick and black.” The term describes the ability to project a benevolent image while concealing a hardened, calculating interior. Through sharp prose and incisive analysis, Li applies this philosophy to figures such as Liu Bang, Cao, Liu, Sun, and Li Shimin, showing how each rose to power by mastering these tactics. His work offers a pointed critique of traditional notions of sagehood and the reverence long afforded to historical leaders, presenting a fresh and challenging perspective on China’s feudal past. As one of the more forward-thinking writers of the twentieth century, Li Zongwu’s insights remain as pertinent today as when the book first appeared.