Famous historical figures who failed 'gaokao'

Zuo Zongtang (1812-1885), a Chinese statesman and military leader in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)

Zuo Zongtang was born into a poor family in Hunan province. His career started inauspiciously when as a young man he failed the official court exams several times. He decided to abandon his plans to become an official and returned to his home to farm, read and drink tea. It was during this period that he became devoted to the study of Western sciences and political economics. His talent became widely known by local officials. In 1852, two years after the Taiping Rebellion started, Zuo, then 40 years old, was hired as an advisor to the governor of Hunan. He served with distinction during the war against the rebellion. Later he served in China's northwestern regions, quelling other unrests.

A portrait of Zuo Zongtang. [Photo/IC]

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