1115-1184
Historian

Early Life. The son of a classical scholar, Li Tao was fond of learning. From his early childhood he read broadly, not only Confucian classics but also history and books on medicine, agriculture, cosmology, and predictions. Among these works, he was particularly interested in the I Chang (Book of Changes).

Specialization. History became his area of specialty over other subjects. He committed himself to studying the Spring and Autumn Annals. Emphasizing the moral-didactic view of history writing, he believed that the historian should act as an ethical commentator and use the Spring and Autumn Annals as a model. While compiling his history, he praised or blamed participants in historical events as a means to encourage the good and warn the evil. He also took compassion on the conduct of the lower classes and paid attention to local events. For this reason, he was considered...