| Summary: | 碩士 === 國立彰化師範大學 === 國文學系 === 93 === Abstract
This thesis examines the personality styles of notabilities in the Zhengshi Era, particularly Ruan Ji, under the influence of metaphysical ways.
During the Wei-Jin period, the society was in turmoil as a result of extremely fierce contention for political power between the Sima and the Cao clans. People at that time were under the constant fear of sudden death and loss of property. Notabilities were squeezed by political contention between the two big clans, and few survived the misfortune that befell them. They could only retreat into seclusion and just take care of themselves. Nihilism was a easy alternative for them.
Born during the time of political upheaval, Ruan Ji was no exception. He turned from Confucianism to Lao-Zhuang philosophy, which was in turn transformed into a talisman for self-survival. Confucianist propriety and righteousness were pushed aside. Notabilities got drunk over metaphysical discourses, and indulged themselves in sensual pleasures, void of any sentiments for the nation and the people. In their power struggles, the ruling echelon frantically obliterated the last trace of humanity. This not only brought sorrow to the individuals, but also tragedy to the whole era and society.
Under the veil of the elegant “Wei-Jin styles,” Ruan Ji saw the whole society and himself in all soberness. Having lost all hopes for the reality under this hermit-like seclusion and the caprices of life, he could not see a glim of light, nor could he find an ideal and goal to work for. It was an extremely painful struggle within him. He wanted to get out of this predicament, but could not find a way. This mentality gradually developed into a kind of passive thinking of avoiding disasters and retreating from the world, which prompted him to go into hermitage. This was not borne of expediency, but rather an inevitable result of resentment toward life.
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