Li Zhi, a prominent Chinese philosopher, historian and writer in the late Ming dynasty, had been born in Jinjiang, Fujian province, the descendant of a Persian woman whom his seventh-generation ancestor married.

He is also often referred to by his courtesy name Zhuowu.

His ancestor was Li Nu, the son of Li Lu, who had visited Hormuz in Persia in 1376, converted to Islam, married a Persian or an Arab girl, and brought her back to Quanzhou.

Li Zhi’s philosophy is based upon Neo-Confucianism.

Strongly disagreeing with assimilating oneself to conventional behavior, Li Zhi had tried to spread his ideas.

He can be seen as having been influenced by Wang Yangming (1472-1529), and he preaches a form of moral relativism.

He denies that women are inferior to men.

However, he is accused for his attempt to spread "dangerous ideas" along with other transgressions and is ultimately jailed.

He commits suicide in prison in 1602.