Abstract:In the history of ancient Chinese culture, the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Forest are known as the representatives of Taoism, and they pursued freedom, independence and spiritual satisfaction throughout their lives. Despite their talents, they have no interest in careers. This article will delve into why the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Forest are reluctant to become officials from three aspects: historical background, personal choice, and value pursuit, and analyze their achievements in other fields.
I. Introduction. The Seven Sages of the Bamboo Forest, namely Ji Kang, Ruan Ji, Shan Tao, Xiang Xiu, Liu Ling, Wang Rong and Ruan Xian, lived in the Wei and Jin dynasties. They are like-minded, advocate the learning of Lao Zhuang, and pursue individual liberation and spiritual freedom. In that era of political turmoil and social darkness, they chose to hide in the mountains and forests, accompanied by poetry and wine, to express their resentment and bitterness in their chests. Although they all had the opportunity to enter the public service, they resolutely gave up this path. So, why do they not want to be officials?What achievements have been made in other fields?
2. Historical Background: The political and social environment of the Wei and Jin dynasties.
The Wei and Jin dynasties were a period of political turmoil and social change in Chinese history. At this time, the landlord class of the scholar clan gradually rose, the gate valve system prevailed, and political corruption was serious. Many people of insight felt disappointed and helpless in reality and began to seek spiritual sustenance. In this context, Taoist thought has been widely disseminated, and the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Forest are the representatives of this trend of thought.
3. Personal choice: reject career and pursue freedom and independence.
Ji Kang: As the head of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Forest, Ji Kang has outstanding talents and is proficient in **, literature and other fields. However, he had no interest in his career and refused to hold an official position. He pursued the freedom of the soul and the satisfaction of the spirit, and was finally executed for offending the powerful, becoming a tragic hero of history.
Ruan Ji: Ruan Ji is also talented and good at poetry and writing. He was indifferent to fame and fortune all his life, and had a negative attitude towards his career. He did nothing politically, but he left immortal poems in the field of literature.
Shantao: Shantao has a calm personality and is erudite. He served as an official, but soon resigned and went into hiding. He paid more attention to personal cultivation and moral improvement, and became a model for later generations of literati and artists.
Xiang Xiu: Xiang Xiu is proficient in philosophy, literature and other fields, and his thinking is deeply influenced by Taoism. He never set foot in the public service in his life, and devoted himself to academic research and literary creation.
Liu Ling: Liu Ling is known for her uninhibited and uninhibited lifestyle, and she likes to drink and write poetry. He has no interest in his career, preferring to live a life of drunkenness and dreams. His poetic works are full of yearning for freedom and dissatisfaction with reality.
Wang Rong: Wang Rong is one of the more special sages of the Bamboo Forest, who has made a difference in politics. However, he eventually chose to resign and go into hiding, pursuing inner peace and tranquility.
Ruan Xian: Ruan Xian is proficient in the fields of ** and calligraphy, and his artistic attainments are quite high. He was not interested in his career, and devoted his life to artistic creation and inheritance.
Fourth, the pursuit of value: achievements and influence in other fields.
Although the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Forest rejected the ** of official careers, they made remarkable achievements in other fields. Their literary works, ** works, and philosophical ideas have had a profound impact on later generations. Their pursuit of freedom and independence became an example for later generations of literati and writers to follow.
V. Conclusion. The Seven Sages of the Bamboo Forest are a unique group in the history of ancient Chinese culture, whose lives were filled with the pursuit of freedom, independence, and spiritual fulfillment. Their rejection of career is not an escape from reality, but a deep thinking and choice of the value of life. Their achievements in other fields prove the correctness of their pursuit of life values. In today's society, we can still draw wisdom and strength from the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Forest to pursue true freedom and inner satisfaction.