Chinese calligraphy text below is preface to my ancestry, Zhu/Chu- the same last name as the Ming dynasty(1368-1644) emperor.
The preface tells of a time during the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty (1271-1368,later replaced by the Ming dynasty) when imperial forces pursued my ancestors to the edge of a cliff. Rather than face capture, most chose to leap to their deaths, preserving their honor in the face of defeat. Only one brother survived. He escaped on horseback, riding through dangerous terrain until he reached safety.
He eventually settled in Taishan (also known as Toisan or Hoisan) in Guangdong Province, where he began a new chapter for our family. From his survival came generations who carry forward his courage, sacrifice, and unbroken spirit.
Taishan, the Zhu clan is often associated with the Peiguo Hall (沛國堂) lineage all over the world, including NYC and San Francisco, tracing back to the famous Neo-Confucian scholar Zhu Xi(朱熹 1130-1200). My family has a long history of being part of the Peiguo Hall (沛國堂).
My ancestors escape political prosecution to Taishian, then escape wars, femine, political prosecution, etc, to Southeast Asia, North America/California, and all over the world where they built Chinatowns and Peiguo Halls.
My ancestors, from Zhu Xi to me, shared the same faith - our lives were destroyed by ruthless bottom-feeders—simply because we stood for dignity and equity for all. Today, those who live by the law of the jungle dominate the tech C-suite and dictate the future of AI. History shows it is often amoral opportunists like Trump who seize power, while truly enlightened intellectuals are cast aside.
So far, the worst that ruthless bottom-feeders could do was bring down companies like 3dfx, Intel, and others—while ordinary people suffered and dynasties/empires crumbled. Today, with the rise of AI, the risks reach far beyond business or empire collapse, potentially threatening the very survival of civilization and humanity.
The question is, where in the world can I escape to where there are no people from Asia, White supremacy, and misogyny?
My great great great parents.
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