New Books Network Xiang Biao and Wu Qi, "Self as Method: Thinking Through China and the World" (Palgrave Macmillan, 2022)
Sep 22, 2025
Xiang Biao, a social anthropologist and former Max Planck Institute director, joins journalist Wu Qi to discuss their thought-provoking book, Self as Method. They emphasize the importance of young people in China thinking independently and engaging with societal issues. Topics include the value of observing local life and conflicts to spur systemic change, the gap between academic knowledge and real-life experiences, and the evolving role of gentry in society. Their insightful conversations aim to inspire new forms of intellectual activism.
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Make Social Science Relatable
- Social science should provide big-picture descriptions that help individuals see their lives in context.
- Xiang used interviews and conversations to avoid academic dryness and reach young readers directly.
From Academic Hibernation To Public Voice
- Xiang recalled feeling intellectual loneliness and ‘hibernation’ after his PhD until 2014 revived his public engagement.
- Early essays like the 'hummingbird' suspension piece drew youth responses and changed his trajectory.
Details Disarm Polarization
- Polarization rises when people stop discussing concrete policies and use ideological labels to profile others.
- Close attention to everyday details breaks down black-and-white thinking and restores nuanced debate.
