Questioning the "the 4 olds"
Shi Xingzhen, Shi Suxi, Shi Suyun, Shi Dechan are considered as the so called “four olds”. The fact is, these men had good connections with with the PRC heirarchy . . look at their bios.
Interestingly the "Four Olds" were also considered as the 'old customs' by the Communists: culture, habits, and, ideas. Coincidence or not? . . . in my view, this is a intentional flip on language . . . sort of Orwell-en.
I would like to add another book for those interested in looking at the context for Shaolin as presented by the PRC. Most people think it was just the 'cultural revolution' that was responsible for the lose of China's traditions. The truth is that the purge of TCMA began in 1949. For those that are interested in the context of what happened I would suggest one other book for holiday reading: Wild Swans - Three Daughters of China" by Jung Chang.
cheers,
r.