Expert Li Xiaoyun's new book The Myth of Philanthropy was recently published in China by Beijing-based publisher CITIC Press Group.

As a professor of China Agricultural University, Li's research focuses on poverty alleviation and rural development. He was honored as a role model in poverty alleviation by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council, China's Cabinet, this year.

In this book, the author clarifies the difference between charity and philanthropy, pointing out charity means giving some individuals temporary help, but philanthropy aims to create and support opportunities and mechanisms that can help all people get out of the woods.

Based on his experience doing philanthropic work over the past two decades, Li reflects on the history of Chinese philanthropy, and analyzes the future development of it.

According to Kang Xiaoguang, dean of the China Institute for Philanthropy and Social Innovation at the Renmin University of China, the key part of this book is its focus on the fundamental and ultimate questions about philanthropy.

"Answers to these questions show human nature and the core of civilization, and predict the direction of human civilization development. Maybe we cannot get all of the answers, but our ceaseless thinking on them is valuable," said Kang.