The formation of recluse
scholars'
reclusion in the Wei-Jin period had not only a close connection with political situation,
but also was under the influence of social prevailing thought of metaphysics of the time, and linked with
scholars' moral nature as well. The recluse scholars in the Wei-Jin period were many in number and various in forms. There were three kinds of recluse scholars in this period: the recluses in mountain, in court and in countries. Differences in
reclusion reflected the moral natures and seekings of the scholars. For scholars, it could hardly be a recluse in its literal sense. Only a few, or few, or none of the scholars could endure the hardship of mountain life and stay there for long. The reclusion in court was but a show of an official renouncing the world. A recluse scholar in court would keep the benefits of an official and earn the fame of the wise. Not a few scholar bureaucrats, being recluses in court, advertising themselves aloof from politics or material possession , were belonging to a certain class that were wise for personal survival, or cautious during bad governments. Verifiably, those who took reclusion in court could not be counted as recluses. The best example of reclusion in countryside was Tao Yuanming, whose noble character of indifference to fame and wealth as well as return to simplicity and purity made him the model of ancient recluse.