China’s ‘self-taught philosopher’ finds viral fame brings mixed blessings
- Former factory worker Chen Zhi reflects on new life as a ‘brain worker’, his first published translation and facing his online critics
In late 2021, he asked for advice on the social media platform Douban about how to publish his translation of an academic book on the German philosopher Martin Heidegger.
His time in the spotlight was brief, but it was enough to alter the course of his life. In late 2021, he left manual labour and soon took up a new role as editor of an academic journal at a vocational college in Shijiazhuang, capital of the northern province of Hebei.
His translation of American scholar Richard Polt’s Heidegger: An Introduction, considered one of the most authoritative works on the philosopher, was published in April, sparking renewed interest from the Chinese media and public.
Reflecting on the changes in his life and career, Chen said in an interview that “mental labour” was easier than factory work and allowed him more freedom.
