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Li Lu
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What I learned from reading "Moving The Mountain: My life in China from the Cultural Revolution to Tiananmen Square" (https://a.co/d/f1QXdIR) by Li Lu. Charlie Munger said that Li Lu was the only outsider he ever trusted with his money. Decades before Li Lu made Munger half a billion dollars, Li survived one of the most horrific childhoods imaginable: Born into poverty, abandoned, hungry, beaten, surrounded by death. Persistent. Smart. Disciplined. Intensely curious. Obsessed with reading and learning. Determined to escape. This is a story you absolutely cannot miss. https://www.founderspodcast.com/ Full Transcript and Show Notes: https://www.founderspodcast.com/episodes/26030545/senra-362-li-lu David Senra: https://x.com/FoundersPodcast?s=20
Segments Timeline
Introduction to Li Lu's Journey
David Senra introduces the book 'Moving The Mountain' by Li Lu, highlighting Lu's remarkable journey from a challenging childhood in China to becoming a successful investor. He discusses how Charlie Munger entrusted Lu with his money, setting the stage for an exploration of Lu's early life and the hardships he faced.
"the book that I want to talk to you about today is moving the mountain my life in China from the culture Revolution to ten and square and it was written by Lee l Lee Lou is the founder of Himalaya Cap..."
A Lonely Childhood in Kindergarten
Li Lu's early experiences in a boarding kindergarten reveal the stark differences between his life and those of his classmates. Abandoned and bullied, Lu's struggles with hunger and isolation shape his resilience and determination to escape his dire circumstances.
"mind as we go through what is going to be one of the most remarkably difficult childhoods that you and I have ever studied together and so the book starts with Lee Lou when he's in preschool and I nee..."
Facing Bullying and Finding Courage
Lu recounts the bullying he faced due to his family's background in communist China. Despite the harsh treatment, he begins to develop a sense of courage and confidence, challenging the authority of bullies and asserting himself among his peers.
"his entire class they somehow had learned that my parents were people with problems your father's a spy and your mother's a landlord's daughter remember this is communist China you're nothing but a ba..."
The Impact of Authority and Control
In a strict educational environment, Lu reflects on the oppressive authority figures that control the children. He observes the hypocrisy of the system and begins to question the narratives fed to him, laying the groundwork for his future critical thinking.
"one time he had a bunch of lizards come on top like they they called all over him and he's like well nothing happened there was no poison and this is the result my courage grew I was no longer afraid ..."
A Heartbreaking Family Background
Lu shares the painful reality of his family situation, detailing how his parents were politically persecuted and unable to care for him. This leads to a series of foster homes, further deepening his sense of displacement and desire for stability.
"right when other children were talking about what they saw and heard on Saturday night and Sunday I felt inferior I had no way of acquiring information I had had no home no one to take me out no food ..."
Life with Big Dad and Big Mom
After being taken in by a family known as Big Dad and Big Mom, Lu experiences a semblance of family life. However, the harsh realities of poverty and violence in their neighborhood continue to shape his understanding of the world around him.
"been considered useless my parents who had gone to universities were put into the lowest category shortly after I was born my parents had to send me to Foster families and then I went to that kinderga..."
The Loss of Stability
Lu describes the tragic loss of Big Dad in a mining accident, which leaves his new family in dire straits. This event marks a turning point in Lu's life, forcing him to confront the fragility of his existence and the harshness of his environment.
"that your father is a spy and so this part is absolutely heartbreaking imagine a six-year-old saying this to you after the fight big dad punished all of his sons except me I cried and asked him aren't..."
Reuniting with His Parents
As Lu's parents are 'rehabilitated' by the government, he finally lives with them in a cramped space. This reunion is bittersweet, as he feels like a stranger to them, highlighting the emotional distance created by years of separation.
"trapped big ma looked stunned her husband was among the dozens of miners stuck down there so big Ma and lelu go to the mines and this is what happens we saw about 10 miners emerge pushing carts on the..."
The Desire for Knowledge
Lu's experiences of instability fuel his intense desire to learn and succeed. He recognizes that education is his path to a better life, motivating him to work hard and support his family.
"parents are being quote unquote rehabilitated by the Chinese government and so for the very first time he's going to live with his parents they live together in a single small room no bigger than a ro..."
The Influence of a Caring Teacher
A compassionate teacher offers Lu a lifeline, allowing him to stay in her home and pursue his education. This pivotal moment marks the beginning of Lu's love for reading and learning, setting the foundation for his future success.
"support big ma one day my father's Institute told him that he'd be sent away for six months my mother was still living in the Orchid commune and none of my parents' friends could take me in any longer..."
The Tangshan Earthquake
Lu recounts the devastating Tangshan earthquake, a traumatic event that changes his life forever. The chaos and destruction he witnesses deepen his understanding of mortality and the unpredictability of life.
"in despair I cried I said in my heart wait till I grow up fatty see how I will settle accounts with you it seemed that my childhood was over I was no longer Carefree I lost all interesting games I wan..."
Life at the Orchard Commune
After the earthquake, Lu moves to live with his mother at the Orchard Commune. Here, he observes the stark inequalities that exist within the supposed equality of the communist regime, further fueling his desire for change.
"happening so the entire town gone so he is sent to go live with his mother at the commune at the orchard Orchard commune that she's at and we see the same thing the people in power they preach equalit..."
The Death of Chairman Mao
Lu describes the reaction to Chairman Mao's death, illustrating the deep indoctrination and emotional manipulation of the populace. This moment serves as a critical reflection on the power dynamics in China.
"in the hearts of the Chinese people the chairman of the Chinese Communist party and the chairman of the party military committee comrade Mau passed away due to an incurable disease and he details the ..."
Discovering His Parents' Past
While living with his parents, Lu discovers a suitcase filled with photographs and writings that reveal his family's history. This newfound knowledge helps him understand his identity and the struggles they faced.
"I saw pictures of a young man with glass is wearing a white Western suit he looks so elegant and handsome there were several photos of that same young man rowing a boat or hunting with a gun the more ..."
The Road to Education
Lu's determination to pursue education intensifies as he learns about college entrance exams. His father's encouragement becomes a guiding force in his life, igniting his ambition to succeed.
"management such as attending their church or talking to their neighbors this is why biographies are so important why understanding the early life of somebody is so fundamental to understanding why the..."
Preparing for a New Life
As Lu prepares for the college entrance exams, he develops a rigorous study schedule. His dedication and hard work pay off, positioning him for a brighter future.
"Tian Square massacre and Lee literally being on the run from the Chinese government he's put on the list I think of like the top 21 Most Wanted student leaders for the tnm and square demonstrations an..."
The Importance of Reading
Lu reflects on the transformative power of books in his life. He recognizes that reading opens doors to new worlds and ideas, shaping his understanding of society and himself.
"books the world of knowledge at your fingertips and what do you do you sit around and play poker all night I think of that scene when I watch Lee's lecture to the Columbia MBA students and I think of ..."
Forming a Secret Society
In high school, Lu forms a secret reading group to discuss ideas and challenge the oppressive educational system. This initiative showcases his rebellious spirit and desire for intellectual freedom.
"time here's another thing that Lee now think how crazy this is this is why I started with that story of Charlie Monger at the very beginning of the discussion that you you and I are having the the ver..."
A Teacher's Encouragement
A supportive teacher encourages Lu to pursue his talents abroad, recognizing the limitations of the Chinese educational system. This advice becomes pivotal in shaping Lu's future aspirations.
"originally Lee is studying physics he eventually changes to economics but his teacher tells him you have talents in physics but you cannot study here in China you should go to the United States study ..."
The Tiananmen Square Massacre
Lu recounts the harrowing events of the Tiananmen Square Massacre, where he witnesses the brutal crackdown on student protesters. This traumatic experience solidifies his resolve to escape China.
"first half of the book I recommend if you can get a copy your hands on a copy of the book definitely read the first half of the book up until he goes to college the second half is about becoming much ..."
Escaping to Freedom
In the aftermath of the massacre, Lu embarks on a dangerous journey to escape China. His determination to find freedom and a better life culminates in his arrival in the United States.
"over the next few days I stayed at a different place each night the government put my name on the list of wanted people our descriptions were issued to customs Railway stations bus stations neighborho..."