Master Li Ao passed away this morning at 83.  His death marks the end of an epoch in Taiwan's history, a period of conscience with genuine hearts of China.

When I was in high school and college I was one of his admirers especially to his true grits in fighting against KMT regime.   But I didn't follow his doctrine, as well as Dr Hu Shi's, of "across-the-board westernization".  Rather I believe with "Foundamental China, Supplemental West", meaning we could save China by modernization through industrialization in our own right, but not have to forsake our own heritages.  Nevertheless, I envy his broad and profound learning and knowledge very much; he is really an erudite person though some of his magnum opus and analects are works of delicate scissors and paste.  I've told you several times that he still owe us a book regarding  China history of thought that he once promised.  I guess this time Mr Li must  disappoint his readers for good. 

He was one of few real Chineses in Taiwan.  In 2000 "presidential" election, Mr Li was the only candidate, out of five, who espoused to "One China, Two Systems".  Beside Ms Hong Xiuzhu, he was the only household name who proclaimed he or she is a Chinese in public.  There are no one else, not Bumbler Ma, not Srapes Song, nor that crooked Wu.  Attached below is an excerpt from the book published in China's Mainland after Mr Li paid his first and only visit to Mainland since 1949:

http://www.guancha.cn/WangXingFu/2013_08_13_165467.shtml

Mr Li you are unique, and you are a great legend.  Rest in peace!

P.S.  The only thing I don't like Mr Li is he loved to reveal other person's extremely (physical) secrets, like he'd ever said in his books that his ex-wife Hu had only a pair of tiny tits, and Professor Yin Haiguang had a small dick, etc.  Well, he had feet of clay himself, and that was not right.