Abstract:

The living culture of ancient Chinese people is an important component of the excellent traditional Chinese culture and an important resource for the construction of a better life for the current generation. Taking the Chang Wu Zhi written by WEN Zhen-heng as the research object, this article analyzes the daily life practices of the Ming literati, interprets the interaction between the subject and things and the construction of living space, and examines the self-expression of the subject and the strategies of creating living culture behind it. The practice of using things in the Chang Wu Zhi manifests as a progression from the appreciation of things to the construction of a living sphere, presenting a living culture with the characteristics of self-gratification and elegance, which has both internal and external significance for the subjects. The construction of living culture by the ancients has important enlightening significance in responding to the needs of dealing with the relationship between human beings and things in current consumer society, and identifying the nature of things in order to realize that things cater to human needs and consequently create a better life.

Key words: Chang Wu Zhi, WEN Zhen-heng, subjectivity, material practice, living culture