Huang Zongxi (黃宗羲, 1610-1695) was the name of a Chinese political theorist, philosopher, and soldier during the latter part of the Ming dynasty into the early part the Qing.

Early life

---

Huang was the son of an official of the Ming court, an adherent of the Donglin Movement who had died in prison. After exonerating his father's name, and bringing those responsible for his death to justice, Huang devoted himself to a life of study. Before becoming a full-time tutor and scholar, however, Huang briefly engaged in political activism and military operations against the Manchus before their occupation of China.

Study

---

Huang was notable for being one of the first Neo-Confucians to stress the need for constitutional law. He also openly advocated the belief that ministers should be openly critical of their emperor; and that rulers held a responsibility to their country, rather than vice versa.

Huang's first work was not completed until the age of 52, and unfortunately, its impact was not felt until the decling years of the Qing dynasty.

Major works

---

• Waiting for the Dawn (Mingyi daifanglu)
• Mingru Xue'an

At the time of his death, Huang Zongxi left behind an uncompleted survey of the Song and Yuan dynasties.

1610 births | 1695 deaths | Chinese people in history | Chinese people | Chinese thinkers

黄宗羲 | 黄宗羲