On Tao Yuanming's Life Choices from the Perspective of Heidegger

Tao Yuanming was a man of letters and a refined scholar during the Wei and Jin Dynasties. His life took several turns, throughout which he held an official position, resigned from it, and finally lived in reclusion. Reality shaped Tao Yuanming's choices. His spiritual journey unfolded accordingly in stages, each decision reflecting deeper insights. As his thoughts on life evolved, so did the complexity of interpreting his actions. These shifts invite ongoing debate, revealing the multifaceted nature of Tao's philosophical growth. Fortunately, the pursuit of authenticity bound two minds across time. Tao Yuanming's choices, once puzzling, now resonate with Heidegger's insights. This unexpected link illuminates both thinkers' quests, offering a fresh lens to view Tao's life and decisions. In light of this, it is feasible to apply an interdisciplinary methodology to the analysis of Tao Yuanming's life choices. First, this essay will sort out the existential structure in Heidegger's philosophy by presenting the mood of beings through three links: care, anxiety, and death. Following that, a justification for its relevance in assessing Tao Yuanming's life situation will be provided. Next, in order to depict Tao Yuanming's real life in detail, this essay will integrate historical records with the author's literal creations and note down each choice made by the poet among a variety of life situations. Again, the previously indicated existential structure will be utilized to clarify the internal mechanism behind this association between the poet's choices and life situation. Finally, it can be concluded that Tao Yuanming's choices are a reflection of his continual exploration of the authentic meaning of life.