Born on October 10 to a mission family at Changchow County , Fujian Province, China , and lived ...Born on October 10 to a mission family at Changchow County , Fujian Province, China , and lived with his father Lin Zhicheng, mother Yang Shunming, six brothers, and two sisters. Lin was the fifth child and named Hele under the “family registry.”
1900(6 years old)
Entered the Christian Mingxin primary school.Entered the Christian Mingxin primary school.
1904(10 years old)
Transferred to another Christian primary school at Gulangyu, Xiamen , where he was first exposed ...Transferred to another Christian primary school at Gulangyu, Xiamen , where he was first exposed to western culture and lifestyle.
1907(13 years old)
Entered the middle school of Xunyuan Academy in Gulangyu. Conceived the idea of improving the ...Entered the middle school of Xunyuan Academy in Gulangyu. Conceived the idea of improving the traditional Chinese radical index.
1911(17 years old)
Entered the eminent English school St. John's University in Shanghai and laid down a foundation ...Entered the eminent English school St. John's University in Shanghai and laid down a foundation in the English language. His name changed to Yutang.
1912(18 years old)
His second eldest sister Meigong died of illness, for which Lin often felt great remorse.
Lin ...His second eldest sister Meigong died of illness, for which Lin often felt great remorse.
Lin became doubtful toward theology and reenrolled in the liberal arts department in September, majoring in linguistics. He later abandoned religion during his teaching in Tsinghua University , and embraced humanism instead.
1913(19 years old)
Won the school's gold medal award with an English short story during his second year of university. ...Won the school's gold medal award with an English short story during his second year of university. This was Lin's debut work.
1915(21 years old)
Became engaged to Liao Cuifeng, daughter of Xiamen 's wealthy businessman Liao Yuefa. Didn't ...Became engaged to Liao Cuifeng, daughter of Xiamen 's wealthy businessman Liao Yuefa. Didn't marry until four years later due to a lack of affection.
1916(21 years old)
Graduated as salutatorian from university, and was invited to teach intermediate English in ...Graduated as salutatorian from university, and was invited to teach intermediate English in Beijing 's Tsinghua University .
Lin began to ardently study Chinese classical literature, linguistics, and also methods of improving the Chinese index.
1917(23 years old)
Published the “Chinese Index System” with a preface written by Cai Yuanpei, former president ...Published the “Chinese Index System” with a preface written by Cai Yuanpei, former president of Peking University, and Qian Xuantong, and initiated a movement of change in the radicals of Chinese characters.
1918(24 years old)
Published thesis “Compiling method for a categorized idiom dictionary” in the Journal of Tsinghua ...Published thesis “Compiling method for a categorized idiom dictionary” in the Journal of Tsinghua University.
1919(25 years old)
The Ministry of Education set up the “Preparatory Committee for Standardizing the National Language” ...The Ministry of Education set up the “Preparatory Committee for Standardizing the National Language” and Lin was invited to become a member.
Having fulfilled his three-year teaching term in Tsinghua, Lin applied for a half-sponsored scholarship from the university to pursue further education in the U.S.
In summer, Lin and Miss Liao married in Shanghai . While the couple were completely different from each other, they became complementary to each other after marriage, and supported each other until the end of their days.
In August, the couple went to U.S. and in September, Lin entered the graduate program in Comparative Literature at Harvard University .
1920(26 years old)
Tsinghua's scholarship was cancelled without cause, so Lin turned to Peking University to apply ...Tsinghua's scholarship was cancelled without cause, so Lin turned to Peking University to apply for an advance draw, and Hu Shi generously wired a sizeable amount of money to Lin.
After completing one year of study at Harvard, due to a lack of funds, Lin applied to work educating Chinese laborers in France.
1921(27 years old)
Transferred to the University of Jena in Germany to make up lost credits for Harvard.Transferred to the University of Jena in Germany to make up lost credits for Harvard.
1922(28 years old )
Obtained Harvard master degree.
Received financial assistance from Hu Shi again. Entered the ...Obtained Harvard master degree.
Received financial assistance from Hu Shi again. Entered the University of Leipzig , which was renowned for its linguistic study, to study for a PhD degree in Chinese phonology.
1923(29 years old)
Granted a PhD in linguistics with the thesis “Ancient Chinese phonetics.”
After returning ...Granted a PhD in linguistics with the thesis “Ancient Chinese phonetics.”
After returning to China , Liao gave birth to Lin's eldest daughter Fengru, later renamed Rusi, on May 6 in Xiamen .
In September, Lin took a position as an English professor in Peking University and English lecturer in Peking Normal University .
Began to publish writings with the pen-name Yu-tang.
1924(30 years old)
In May, Lin first devised the Chinese translation for “humor,” which became widely used in Chinese. ...In May, Lin first devised the Chinese translation for “humor,” which became widely used in Chinese.
In December, Lin began to compose articles for “Yu Shi” weekly magazine, and often criticized politics.
Invented the “Chinese Number Index Method” and “New Chinese Phonology Index.”
1925(31 years old)
Became a member of the “Chinese Roman Phonetic Transcription Research Committee” under the Ministry ...Became a member of the “Chinese Roman Phonetic Transcription Research Committee” under the Ministry of Education.
Published the “Last Stroke Index Method,” and continued to study the index methods with hope of inventing an easy-to-use Chinese typewriter.
1926(32 years old)
Took a position as a professor and dean in Beiping Women's Normal University , and had close ...Took a position as a professor and dean in Beiping Women's Normal University , and had close interaction with Lu Xun, a future famous writer.
On April 1, second daughter Yuru, later renamed Wushuang and then Taiyi, was born in Beiping.
Near the end of April, Lin was wanted by the government of Duan Qirui, a local warlord, and thus returned to Xiamen for refuge and taught in Xiamen University .
1927(33 years old)
Xiamen University encountered personnel unrest. Lin resigned and moved to Shanghai .
In March, ...Xiamen University encountered personnel unrest. Lin resigned and moved to Shanghai .
In March, Lin was invited to take office as the secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Wuhan Province . Later, Lin flew to Shanghai and began to fully engage in his writing.
1928(34 years old)
Lin was employed by the Academia Sinica as the chief English Editor.
Published a one-act tragicomedy ...Lin was employed by the Academia Sinica as the chief English Editor.
Published a one-act tragicomedy “Confucius Saw Nancy,” which exasperated the offspring of Confucius.
Published the “Kaiming English Books” that became widely popular throughout the nation, and Lin was granted the title “King of copyright royalty.”
In December, Lin reorganized his early works and published the “Jian Fu Collection,” which showed his left wing side from his youth.
1929(35 years old)
Employed as a special contract researcher in historical science in the Academia Sinica, as well ...Employed as a special contract researcher in historical science in the Academia Sinica, as well as an English professor in the Law College of Soochow University in Shanghai .
1930(36 years old)
In July, Lin became a columnist of “The Little Critic” for China Critic Weekly.
July 11, third ...In July, Lin became a columnist of “The Little Critic” for China Critic Weekly.
July 11, third daughter Xiangru was born in Shanghai .
Co-founded the Chinese branch of the International P.E.N. in Shanghai .
Wrote for the English version of the China Critic Weekly and established a reputation as an outstanding English writer.
1931(37 years old)
Employed as the chief editor of western languages in the Academia Sinica, as well as a researcher ...Employed as the chief editor of western languages in the Academia Sinica, as well as a researcher in the Institute of History and Philology.
Represented the Academia Sinica at the annual assembly of the International Alliance for Cultural Cooperation Committee in Switzerland .
Flew to England to research models of Chinese typewriters with English engineers, and had only three pennies left in the pocket he when returned to China .
1932(38 years old)
In September, Lin founded the “Analects of Confucius” bi-weekly magazine in which he wrote with ...In September, Lin founded the “Analects of Confucius” bi-weekly magazine in which he wrote with the philosophy of “straddling the cultures of east and west while commenting on all articles in the universe” to promote humorous literature. The success of the “Analects of Confucius” granted Lin the title of “Master of Humor.”
1933(39 years old)
In May, his “Collection of Essays on Linguistics” was published.
In December, his “Explanation ...In May, his “Collection of Essays on Linguistics” was published.
In December, his “Explanation of You-Bu-Wei-Jhai” was also published listing the twenty-two things that Lin would “never do.”
Pearl S. Buck encouraged Lin to write in English and introduce the face of China to the western world. The following year, Lin began to compose “My Country and My People.”
1934(40 years old)
In April, the fortnightly “World of Mankind” was founded centered on the writer's ego and adopted ...In April, the fortnightly “World of Mankind” was founded centered on the writer's ego and adopted “leisure and comfort” as its style to promote the literature of mind and soul. This was the first pure prose publication in China . The publication ceased after its 42 nd issue.
1935(41 years old)
Established the fortnightly “Cosmic Wind” in September. The publication discussed life in a ...Established the fortnightly “Cosmic Wind” in September. The publication discussed life in a frank and open manner, avoiding always sentimentalizing reality. The publication ceased after its 152 nd issue.
The book “My Country and My People” was published with Pearl S. Buck's support and gave a unique analysis on the people of China . Lin leaped to fame and since enjoyed praise throughout the European and American literary circles.
1936(42 years old)
Left the “Analects of Confucius” and the Society of the Analects of Confucius.
In September, ...Left the “Analects of Confucius” and the Society of the Analects of Confucius.
In September, Lin founded “Western Winds” with Tao Kangde, Huang Jiade, and Huang Jiayin under the goal of “interpreting the essence of western magazines and introducing the life and society of the western people.” The publication ceased after 118 th issue.
Published the English translation of “Six Chapters of a Floating Life” in installments in the Common Wealth Magazine.
The entire family moved to New York and he devoted himself to writing.
1937(43 years old)
After the eruption of the July 7 th Incident, Lin published the article “ Japan will not conquer ...After the eruption of the July 7 th Incident, Lin published the article “ Japan will not conquer China ” in Time magazine.
Published “The Importance of Living” in November, in which he talked about Chinese people's attitude towards life via his personal experience. The book was immediately chosen as the Book of the Month by the American “Monthly Book Club” in December, and became the U.S. bestseller the following year. The book topped the New York Times' bestseller chart for as long as 52 weeks. It was Lin's most widely translated and best selling work.
1938(44 years old)
Traveled and resided in Europe, and began planning to write “Moment in Peking ”.
Published ...Traveled and resided in Europe, and began planning to write “Moment in Peking ”.
Published “The Wisdom of Confucius.”
1939(45 years old)
Returned to the U.S.
In November, Lin published his first novel “Moment in Peking” using “The ...Returned to the U.S.
In November, Lin published his first novel “Moment in Peking” using “The Dream of the Red Chamber” as its model, and described the transition of China in the recent history. The book was elected as the Book of the Month by the “Monthly Book Club” in December, and was the one Lin was most proud of.
With the break out of war in Europe , Lin published the article “The real threat is not bombs, but concepts” in The New York Times.
1940(46 years old)
Flew back to Chongqing to meet Chairman Chiang Kai Shek and Madam Chiang. After returning to ...Flew back to Chongqing to meet Chairman Chiang Kai Shek and Madam Chiang. After returning to the U.S. , Lin began to write for the promotion of China , pointing out the predicament of Japan and criticizing the double-faced manner of the U.S.
Compiled works from “The Little Critic” into a book “With Love & Irony.”
Published the English translation of “The Travels of Mingliaotse” and “The Importance of Understanding.”
Awarded an honorary PhD degree in Arts by Elmira College in New York .
1941(47 years old)
Published the second novel “Leaf in the Storm,” a story of love and tragedies during the war ...Published the second novel “Leaf in the Storm,” a story of love and tragedies during the war period.
1942(48 years old)
Published “The Wisdom of China and India ”, which introduced China and India 's ancient classics. ...Published “The Wisdom of China and India ”, which introduced China and India 's ancient classics.
Awarded honorary PhD degree in Arts by Rutgers University in the State of New Jersey .
1943(49 years old)
Published “Between Tears & Laughter,” which talked about the world's peace issues from Chinese ...Published “Between Tears & Laughter,” which talked about the world's peace issues from Chinese political philosophy, and consequently offended the British and the anglophile Americans.
1944(50 years old)
Published “The Vigil of Nation”, which exposed the truth inside the KMT-CPC relationship in ...Published “The Vigil of Nation”, which exposed the truth inside the KMT-CPC relationship in a novel style. The novel exasperated the American left-wing and communist followers.
Returned to China again, and gave a speech on “Eastern & western cultures and psychological construction” in Chongqing 's Central University at the end of the year.
1946(52 years old)
Awarded an honorary PhD degree in Humanities by Wisconsin 's Beloit College .Awarded an honorary PhD degree in Humanities by Wisconsin 's Beloit College .
1947(53 years old)
Completed “The Gay Genius: The Life and Times of Su Tungpo,” after three years of work, which ...Completed “The Gay Genius: The Life and Times of Su Tungpo,” after three years of work, which became Lin's favorite work.
Lin's long researched “Chinese Fast Typewriter” was successfully invented in New York and cost US$120,000 to develop. It was the most light and easy-to-use Chinese typewriter at the time. Unfortunately Lin encountered civil strife in China during the time and the typewriter failed to be produced, leaving him on the verge of bankruptcy.
1948(54 years old)
Signed a contract with “Mergenthaler Linotype Company” to research the possibility of manufacturing ...Signed a contract with “Mergenthaler Linotype Company” to research the possibility of manufacturing the typewriter.
Flew to Paris to take up the post as the chief of Art and Culture Team of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Resigned after six months to concentrate on writing.
Published the full-length novel “Chinatown Family.”
Published “The Wisdom of Laotse.”
1950(56 years old)
Published “The U.S. Policy on Taiwan ” in Taipei 's “Citizens' Daily.”
Published “Miss Tu,” ...Published “The U.S. Policy on Taiwan ” in Taipei 's “Citizens' Daily.”
Published “Miss Tu,” which rewrote the stories of “Miss Tu Sinks the Jewel Box in Anger” from Feng Menglung's “General Speaking for Warning Mankind.”
Published “On the Wisdom of America .”
Left France and returned to the U.S. Lived in New York until June 1966.
1951(57 years old)
Sold the typewriter's patent to “Mergenthaler Linotype Company” keeping only the literary property ...Sold the typewriter's patent to “Mergenthaler Linotype Company” keeping only the literary property rights to the keyboard.
Published “Widow, Nun and Courtesan: Three Novelettes From the Chinese Translated and Adapted by Lin Yutang,” which translated parts of “The Quan Village” and “The Travels of Lao Ts'an – Part 2,” and rewrote “Miss Tu.”
1952(58 years old)
The United States Patent and Trademark Office granted patent to the “Chinese Fast Typewriter.” ...The United States Patent and Trademark Office granted patent to the “Chinese Fast Typewriter.”
In April, Lin established the monthly “Tian Feng Magazine” in New York and took the post as publisher, with his daughter Lin Tai-yi and her husband as chief editors. The content of the magazine resembled that of “West Wind,” and took in work from Chinese writers based in the U.S. , England , and Hong Kong .
Published the “Famous Chinese Short Stories, Retold by Lin Yutang,” which rewrote 20 legendary stories from the Tang Dynasty.
Published “Widow Chuan: Retold by Lin Yutang.”
1953(59 years old)
Published the full-length Huijiang story “The Vermilion Gate,” which formed part of the trilogy ...Published the full-length Huijiang story “The Vermilion Gate,” which formed part of the trilogy with “Moment in Peking ” and “Leaf in the Storm.”
Split from A John Day Book Company owned by Mr. & Mrs. Pearl S. Buck due to copyright and royalty problems.
In December, invited by the executive committee of Singapore 's Nanyang Technological University to take the post as university president. Lin set the condition that the university's facility and teacher quality must meet first-rate international standards.
1954(60 years old)
In May, Singapore 's Nanyang Technological University was officially established with Lin as ...In May, Singapore 's Nanyang Technological University was officially established with Lin as its president. In October, Lin and the family arrived in Singapore .
1955(61 years old)
Got unintentionally involved in the political whirlpool instigated by the communists, and resigned ...Got unintentionally involved in the political whirlpool instigated by the communists, and resigned in April with the entire staff of the university. Lin later set off on a journey across Europe . The unpleasant experience made Mrs. Lin suffer from mental illness.
Traveled to and settled down in Cannes , France .
Published the full-length science fiction novel “Looking Beyond.”
1957(63 years old)
Invited to give lectures in Buenos Aires , Argentina .
Began to go to church with his wife ...Invited to give lectures in Buenos Aires , Argentina .
Began to go to church with his wife at a Presbyterian Church.
Published the historical biography of “Lady Wu.”
1958(64 years old)
Published “The Secret Name,” which examined the process of Russia shifting from extreme left ...Published “The Secret Name,” which examined the process of Russia shifting from extreme left to extreme right from a historical perspective.
Invited by former president Ma Hsingyeh of Central Daily News to visit Taiwan . Lin and his wife arrived in Taiwan for the first time and stayed for two weeks.
1959(65 years old)
Published “From Pagan to Christianity,” which narrated his migration from a pagan to embracing ...Published “From Pagan to Christianity,” which narrated his migration from a pagan to embracing Christianity again.
Published “The Chinese Way of Life.”
1960(66 years old)
Published “The Importance of Understanding: Translations from the Chinese.”Published “The Importance of Understanding: Translations from the Chinese.”
1961(67 years old)
Published “Imperial Peking: Seven Centuries of China ” with a planning map of Beijing .
Published ...Published “Imperial Peking: Seven Centuries of China ” with a planning map of Beijing .
Published the full-length novel “The Red Peony,” which described the brave love-seeking story of a married Chinese woman during the end of the Ching Dynasty.
1962(68 years old)
Invited by Ma Hsingyeh to visit and give speeches in six countries around Central and South ...Invited by Ma Hsingyeh to visit and give speeches in six countries around Central and South America .
Published “The Pleasure of a Nonconformist,” which assembled the texts of his speeches given during his visit to Central and South America .
1963(69 years old)
Published “Juniper Loa.”Published “Juniper Loa.”
1964(70 years old)
Published the anticommunist novel “The Flight of Innocents.”Published the anticommunist novel “The Flight of Innocents.”
1965(71 years old)
In February, invited by Ma Hsingyeh, chief of the Central News Agency, to write for the column ...In February, invited by Ma Hsingyeh, chief of the Central News Agency, to write for the column “All World Talk,” and began to write in Chinese again.
Published the “All World Talk Volume One.”
1966(72 years old)
Visited Taiwan for the second time and began preparations for settling down in Taiwan .
In ...Visited Taiwan for the second time and began preparations for settling down in Taiwan .
In June, returned to reside in Yangmingshan. Temporarily lived at No. 42, Yongfu Village before the new residence was completed. The new residence was designed personally by Lin and constructed by Taiwan 's first generation architect Wang Dahong. The architecture combined both Chinese and southern European characteristics.
Published “Objective Discussion About Gao E” and discussed the reality of “The Dream of The Red Chamber” after Chapter 40, which provoked debates on the study of “Redology.”
1967(73 years old)
Invited by the Chinese University of Hong Kong to be a research professor and took charge of ...Invited by the Chinese University of Hong Kong to be a research professor and took charge of the compilation of the “Chinese-English Dictionary of Modern Usage,” which adopted the Instant Index System and Simplified Chinese Roman Characters as its index and phonetic transcription.
Reedited the “New Kaiming English Books”.
Published “The Chinese Theory of Art: Translation from the Master of Chinese Art”
The “Instant Index System” was granted patent by the Ministry of the Interior.
Published the “All World Talk Volume Two.”
1968(74 years old)
Invited to serve as a board member for Mandarin Daily News.
Represented the country at the ...Invited to serve as a board member for Mandarin Daily News.
Represented the country at the annual assembly of International Association of University Presidents held in Seoul , South Korea , in June. Delivered a speech on “Promoting the integration of West and East.”
1969( 75 years old)
Became president of the Chinese PEN, a position he held until February, 1975. Served as honorary ...Became president of the Chinese PEN, a position he held until February, 1975. Served as honorary president of the organization afterwards.
1970(76 years old)
On June 16, the 3rd Asian Writer's Conference of International P.E.N., held by the Chinese PEN, ...On June 16, the 3rd Asian Writer's Conference of International P.E.N., held by the Chinese PEN, kicked off in Taipei . Hosted by President Lin Yutang, the conference also invited Kawabata Yasunari, who just won the Nobel Prize in Literature, to be present.
On June 29, the 37th annual assembly of International P.E.N. was convened in Seoul , South Korea . On July 3, Lin delivered a speech on “Humor in the East and West.”
1971(77 years old)
Displayed initial symptoms of a stroke.
On January 9, Rusi, Lin's first daughter, committed ...Displayed initial symptoms of a stroke.
On January 9, Rusi, Lin's first daughter, committed suicide due to chronic depression, The loss of his daughter at such a late age was a big blow to Lin and his wife. Lin, who had been in very good shape, saw his health deteriorate and aged very fast afterwards.
1972(78 years old)
Fatigue, both physically and mentally, caused small intestine to descend abnormally. Afterwards, ...Fatigue, both physically and mentally, caused small intestine to descend abnormally. Afterwards, he went to Hong Kong several times to stay with another of his daughters.
In October, “Lin Yutang's Chinese-English Dictionary of Modern Usage” was published. Lin viewed the book as the peak of his writing career.
1974(80 years old)
All World Talk Collection, published by Taipei Wen Hsing publishing company .All World Talk Collection, published by Taipei Wen Hsing publishing company .
1975(81 years old)
The 40th annual assembly of International P.E.N. took place in Vienna . Lin was elected as vice ...The 40th annual assembly of International P.E.N. took place in Vienna . Lin was elected as vice president.
In the same year, his work “Moment in Peking ”made him a candidate for the Nobel Prize in Literature.
"Memoirs of an Octogenarian” was published.
Hwa Kang Journal published “The theses collection in celebration of 80-year-old Lin Yutang.”
Arthur James Anderson, an American, edited "Lin Yutang: The Best of an Old Friend."
1976(82 years old)
On March 23, he was sent to the hospital after having a gastric hemorrhage. He later had a heart ...On March 23, he was sent to the hospital after having a gastric hemorrhage. He later had a heart attack and died in the evening of March 26.
On March 29, his body was sent back to Taipei . His memorial service was held at Grace Baptist Church .
On April 1, a bible was placed in the coffin next to his body. Lin was laid to rest in the garden behind his house. ChengMu, his best friend, wrote the epitaph on his tomb.
In May of 1985, his residence on Yangmingshan was turned into the Lin Yutang Memorial Library. On March 26, 2002, the library was changed into the Lin Yutang House, opening after renovations.
