In Remembrance of Liu Laoshi
Diane Geng | Posted on March 29th, 2011 in RCEF. 
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We just heard the shocking news of the passing of Liu Laoshi, a good friend and mentor. Liu Laoshi was a teacher and rural development activist who played an invaluable role in helping us learn about rural China. He was one of the first people we talked to who expressed a coherent vision for rural development in China and he introduced us to many good people who were instrumental in shaping our understanding of civil society and rural development work.
Liu Laoshi’s philosophy and spirit had a deep influence on us and was a major inspiration in our deciding to take action to join and support the rural reconstruction movement. During the trainings and the village trips we participated in with him, he always pushed us to learn more, be humble, and be disciplined. He stood as an example and teacher, urging and training young people to use their scholarly knowledge and research skills to go to rural areas and learn about the realities there while collaborating with rural residents to make improvements. Because of his personal commitment and unflagging work ethic, he was able to inspire and move to action many in China and abroad.
In fact, his influence reached deeper than the level of action. Many young people have questioned and rethought their values and relationship to society as a result of their interactions with him, a
feat that few educators can accomplish. With his resilient personality and great determination, Liu Laoshi would have done many more great things. We cannot believe he is gone, but are renewed in our commitment to carry on the values that he promoted. We hope that the network of people who have been influenced by Liu Laoshi will continue building on the work that he devoted his life to.
You can read more about him here: http://www.liuxiangbo.net.
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