Words of the Day

遭zao1
To encounter (used typically in negative contexts)

雷霆lei2ting2
Thunderclap, thunderbolt

妄wang4
chaotic, random

他像希特勒，遭到反對就大發雷霆；現代精神病學家可以把他例為妄想狂。

He [Wang Anshi] was like Xi Tele, when there is opposition he would strike like thunder.  Modern psychologists would classify him has a lunatic.

評註ping2zhu4
Commentator

他把自己當作經書唯一的評註家。

He [Wang Anshi] would place himself as the only official commentator or classic text.

濫lan4
gushing liquid; excessive

這樣不僅是濫用權威，也是污衊學術。

This not only was an over excessive use of power, it also contaminated the art of learning.

Thoughts:  Wang Anshi gives us an interesting insight on how extremist views can affect thought and politics.