New Books in Anthropology Xiang Biao and Wu Qi, "Self as Method: Thinking Through China and the World" (Palgrave Macmillan, 2022)
Sep 22, 2025
Professor Xiang Biao, a social anthropologist and director at the Max Planck Institute, is joined by journalist Wu Qi to discuss their book 'Self as Method: Thinking Through China and the World.' They delve into the power of intellectual activism and the importance of self-thought for Chinese youth. The conversation touches on the interplay between conflict and systemic change, the value of bridging academia with public engagement, and how local observations can shift perspectives. Their insights aim to inspire a new generation to engage critically with their surroundings.
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Use Conversation To Avoid Academic Jargon
- Use conversational interview formats to reach a public audience and avoid academic jargon traps.
- Let interlocutors ask concrete questions so your writing stays direct and relevant.
Polarization Grows When Details Are Ignored
- Xiang argues polarization comes from losing the habit of examining concrete, local details of problems.
- He urges focusing on step-by-step implementation and local consequences instead of ideological labeling.
Think Big By Starting With Close Details
- Knowing only abstract global problems leaves people socially unanchored and vulnerable to extremes.
- Thinking big requires first understanding intimate relations and everyday surroundings concretely.
