Bai Fangli, a 93-year-old man who touched the hearts of China, quietly passed away. In the last two decades, starting at 74, he pedaled a tricycle to earn 350,000 yuan (approximately US$50,000), which he donated to numerous universities, middle schools, and primary schools in Tianjin. His generosity supported over 300 impoverished students. Despite his charitable contributions, Bai lived a life of extreme frugality akin to a beggar’s. When he passed away, he left no personal wealth, only a tricycle, a radio, and a tiny canary.
His medical diagnosis included multiple lacunar cerebral infarctions, primary hypertension, coronary artery sclerosis, valvular degeneration, senile cataracts, neural deafness, and symptoms of brain atrophy and gastrointestinal bleeding. Despite these ailments, Bai Fangli’s spirit remained unbroken.
Year-round, Bai wore mismatched clothing and shoes, all scavenged from streets or garbage heaps. He took pride in this, often saying, “From head to toe, inside and out, nothing I wear was bought with money. I pick something up today, another thing tomorrow, and eventually, I can match them.”
His daily lunch consisted of two steamed buns and a bowl of plain water, occasionally flavored with a bit of soy sauce, which he considered a “delicacy.” He was equally frugal at home, eating only a tiny piece of meat or an egg per meal, refusing to consume more despite encouragement. He would say: “Save it for the next meal; overeating is wasteful.” On rare occasions, when he craved more, he would indulge by savoring a tiny piece of meat before bed.
Bai Fangli worked tirelessly, often risking his health to earn an extra yuan. He worked 365 days a year, never taking a day off, regardless of holidays or harsh weather. He started his day at 6 a.m. and returned home around 7 or 8 p.m.
Bai Fangli endured both heat exhaustion and freezing cold
His dedication was such that he once fainted from heat exhaustion on a road with temperatures reaching 50°C (122°F) in summer. In winter, he fell into a ditch while navigating snowy roads. Exhaustion led him to fall asleep while pedaling, and he often worked through high fevers, swallowing antipyretics while drenched in sweat.
Imagine this scene: a frail old man pedaling a tricycle, wearing mismatched clothes and a straw hat, arriving at a university. Under the astonished gaze of teachers and students, he would pull out a thick stack of small-denomination coins and hand them to school officials, insisting they be used for needy students.
Universities typically receive donations from large corporations, but receiving one from an elderly tricycle driver left everyone moved. Bai Fangli continued this practice for over a decade without interruption. His motivation, as he expressed 20 years ago, was simple: “It’s okay if I suffer a bit, as long as every child has the money to go to school and read books.”
Doing good deeds is not difficult; what is remarkable is maintaining such dedication for 20 years without regret. Many people contribute to education, and while some seek fame, others genuinely donate to help children in remote areas, even giving away fortunes. Yet, the accurate measure of generosity is in the amount given rather than the sacrifice. Who is more inspiring: someone who donates 10 yuan out of 100, someone who gives 1 yuan out of 2, or a beggar who shares half of their 20 cents with another beggar?
Over the years, Bai Fangli’s donations reached over 30 institutions, including universities, middle schools, primary schools, and educational funds. He never sought recognition, and many students he helped never knew his name. His joy and happiness came from his generous heart.
If calculated at 0.5 yuan per kilometer, Bai Fangli’s contributions equated to pedaling around the Earth’s equator 18 times. Nearing 90, he finally faced an insurmountable challenge. 1999, the Tianjin train station underwent renovations, and all kiosks were demolished. Watching his home turn into rubble, Bai cried. He was old, his legs weak, and he wondered how to continue earning money for children’s education.
Bai sheltered in a bicycle shed near the station that winter, watching bicycles for three months. He meticulously saved every 10-cent, 20-cent, 1-yuan, and 2-yuan coin in a lunchbox. When he reached 500 yuan, he pedaled to Tianjin Yaohua Middle School on a snowy day. His hair and beard were white, and his clothes were soaked with snow. He handed the 500 yuan to the teachers, saying: “I can’t do it anymore. This is my last donation.” The teachers wept.
There is a power that moves us to tears and invigorates us. Bai Fangli’s 20-year journey of supporting education embodies this power. Thousands attended his memorial service in Tianjin. In a society prone to forgetfulness, may Bai Fangli’s story be remembered alongside historical figures, reminding us of the kindness in the corners of our world.
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