No other scholar in China’s history has had such a deep influence on popular culture as Su Dongpo, one of the brightest stars in the vast galaxy of China’s literary past. Indeed, if you only have time to learn about one ancient Chinese scholar, Su Shi is the right choice. Why is he loved so much? He was both admired and hated in his time.  But for about 1,000 years, Su’s attitude toward life has been admired by Chinese intellectuals. For both scholars and ordinary people, he is a real person who can always find the fun and meaning in life, no matter what comes his way.