A Man with 5 Degrees Rejected the Elite Life and Lives on the Street (4 photos)

32-year-old Zhao Dian from China shocked the public by voluntarily abandoning a prestigious education and successful career for a life on the streets.





Zhao was born in Shanghai, China, and moved to New Zealand as a child. He earned two bachelor's degrees and three master's degrees in finance, studying and working in Sydney, New York, Beijing, and Paris. However, his prestigious education and parental pressure became "shackles" for him.

After many years abroad, Zhao suffered from loneliness. In Paris, he worked in the kitchen of a Chinese restaurant and found happiness in simple tasks.

"Washing dishes can bring happiness, so why wait for the perfect job?" he said.



In 2023, he returned to China and finally decided to abandon the traditional way of life. He now lives in Dali (Yunnan Province), sleeping on the streets, eating in free vegetarian cafeterias, and occasionally showering in hostels.

His daily routine is strict: rise at 7 AM, sleep at 9 PM. He wears only second-hand clothes, and his greatest treasure is an e-reader. Zhao runs book clubs, offers online psychology, and builds projects to help young people find their calling.

He also has a 10-year-old daughter from a marriage in New York, with whom he keeps in touch online.





Zhao's unusual decision has sparked heated debate:

"He's healing his emotional wounds the way he thinks is right";

"He's overly idealistic and neglects his parental responsibilities."

Zhao himself is convinced that minimalism has made him truly happy, even if others consider his choice irresponsible.