About Li Bai
701 - 762
Biography
Biography
Li Bai (701-762), courtesy name Taibai, literary name Qinglian Jushi, was a great romantic poet of the Tang Dynasty, known as the "Immortal Poet." His ancestral home was Longxi Chengji (present-day Tianshui, Gansu), born in Suiye (present-day Tokmak, Kyrgyzstan), and moved to Jiangyou, Sichuan with his father in childhood. He had a bold and unrestrained character with extraordinary talent, traveling throughout China. He once served in the Hanlin Academy but left due to incompatibility with court life. During the An Lushan Rebellion, he joined Prince Yong Li Lin's staff and was later exiled to Yelang.
Philosophical System
Philosophical System
Li Bai's thoughts integrated Confucian, Taoist, and chivalric spirits. Deeply influenced by Taoism, he pursued spiritual freedom and transcendence of worldly concerns. He had strong individualistic characteristics, revered nature, and yearned for immortal realms. He also possessed Confucian concern for the world and cared about the nation's fate. Influenced by chivalric culture, he valued friendship and acted with righteousness. His poetry embodied the open spirit and romantic temperament of the prosperous Tang era.
Major Works
Major Works
Representative works include "Bring in the Wine," "The Road to Shu is Hard," "Dreaming of Mount Tianmu," "Quiet Night Thoughts," "Early Departure from Baidi City," "Viewing the Lushan Waterfall," etc. Nearly a thousand poems survive, covering themes of landscapes, friendship, parting, nostalgia, and historical reflection. His poetry features rich imagination, bold language, profound artistic conception, and strong artistic appeal.
Historical Significance
Historical Significance
Li Bai was one of the greatest romantic poets in ancient China, whose poetry represents one of the highest achievements of Tang poetry. He pioneered the romantic tradition in Chinese classical poetry and influenced countless later poets. Li Bai's poetry embodied the spiritual outlook of the prosperous Tang era and became an important component of Chinese culture. His works also hold an important position in world literary history.
Cultural Influence
Cultural Influence
Li Bai, known as the "Immortal Poet," has influenced Chinese literature for over a thousand years. Poets throughout history have been influenced by Li Bai, and his romantic spirit became an important tradition in Chinese literature. Li Bai's poetry is widely recited, with many famous lines becoming classics. In modern times, Li Bai remains one of the most popular ancient poets, with his works translated into many languages and spread worldwide.
Key Concepts
Key Concepts
Romanticism (poetic style), Taoist thought (spiritual pursuit), individualism (character trait), nature worship (aesthetic concept), chivalric spirit (personality ideal), prosperous Tang atmosphere (spirit of the times), life of poetry and wine (life attitude)
Quotes by Li Bai
Explore the essence of this wise thinker's thoughts
Heaven has endowed me with talents for eventual use; gold scattered will return again.
天生我材必有用，千金散尽还复来。
Source: Invitation to Wine
The Peach Blossom Pool is a thousand feet deep, yet it cannot compare to the depth of Wang Lun's farewell to me.
桃花潭水深千尺，不及汪伦送我情。
Source: To Wang Lun