Throughout history, humans have been trying to find ways to extend their lifespan. Over time, significant progress has been made. In the past, living up to 40 was regarded as a good life span. In modern times, many people live past the age of 90 or even 100. However, there is a man who might have discovered the secret to the longest documented life. Meet Li Ching-Yuen.
Li, an individual who lived in the past, is said to have lived for 256 years, as reported in a 1930 article in The New York Times. The evidence for this comes from a letter discovered in 1928, written by Professor Wu Chun Chi from Chengdu University congratulating Li on his 150th birthday in 1827 and his 200th in 1877. According to Li’s neighbors, he was already an adult when they were children.
Li began his career as an herbalist when he was just 10 years old. For almost 40 years, he ate mainly herbs such as goji berries, lingzhi, wild ginseng, wuweizi, gouqi kola, and rice wine. He continued this diet for the next 100 years. At the age of 71, he became a martial arts instructor in the Chinese army. Li was a beloved member of his community and reportedly got married 23 times, fathering approximately 200 children.
According to one of Li’s disciples, Li may have met a man who was older than him. This man was 500 years old and taught Li qigong exercises and a special herb-rich diet that could help people live longer lives. When asked about the secret to his long life, Li replied, “Keep a calm heart, sit like a tortoise, walk briskly like a pigeon, and sleep like a dog.”
Whether or not you believe Li’s story, his wisdom is worth considering. We could all learn from Li’s example and strive for a long and healthy life.
