/>In the quiet town of Naxi in Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, an extraordinary story unfolded over a decade ago that captured national attention. In the spring of 2005, Li Tiejun, a local resident, made headlines when he decided to withdraw his daughter, Li Jingci, from school, claiming that "children don’t learn anything in school." He took it upon himself to educate her at home, leading to a landmark legal case challenging the Compulsory Education Law. The case hinged on whether Li Tiejun’s decision to keep his daughter at home violated the law, and the court ruled in favor of the mother, who wanted Li Jingci to return to school. However, Li Tiejun, resolute in his belief, declared, "I would rather go to jail than send my daughter to school," and his daughter has not set foot in a school since.
Fast forward to 2016, 11 years later, Li Jingci is now 20 years old, and the results of her father’s unique educational experiment are mixed. In the cozy, book-lined living room of their home, withconstellation diagrams adorning the walls and art supplies scattered about, Li Jingci sits before an easel, attempting to sketch the head of Alexander the Great. Her father, Li Tiejun, occasionally offers guidance, but after an hour, the outline of Alexander is still elusive. This scene is a microcosm of the past 11 years—time has passed, the little girl has grown into a young woman, and her father’s temples are grayer.
Li Tiejun, now 74 years old, is still vibrant and passionate, often seen smoking and discussing various topics animatedly. He considers himself a "genius" who has spent his life studying astronomy, medicine, music, and art, among other subjects. His daughter, he believes, is on the path to becoming a great scientist, with a focus on biological magnetism. Despite the skepticism of neighbors and the lack of formal educational materials, Li Tiejun is convinced of his educational approach’s success.
However, Li Jingci herself acknowledges that she would likely struggle with a middle school exam, and her father’s confidence in her academic abilities is not universally shared. Nevertheless, the family’s life is structured and disciplined, with a daily schedule that includes art, music, reading, and physical exercise. Despite the lack of formal education, Li Jingci has developed a strong sense of self and a unique perspective on life, which she attributes to her father’s teachings.
The past 11 years have been a journey of self-discovery for Li Jingci, who has grown up in the shadow of her father’s unconventional educational choices. She has developed a close bond with her father, and while she may not have the traditional educational background of her peers, she has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience through their unique lifestyle. As she looks to the future, Li Jingci is determined to carve her own path, whether that includes continuing her father’s research or pursuing a different dream.
The story of Li Tiejun and Li Jingci is a testament to the power of parental belief and the individuality of education. It raises questions about the nature of learning, the role of traditional education systems, and the potential of alternative approaches to nurturing talent and fostering growth. As Li Jingci continues to navigate her way in the world, her story serves as a reminder that the path to success is often unique and personal, shaped by the beliefs and choices of both individuals and their families.
