First, different mentality leads to different calligraphy quality. First, look at ancient calligraphers. Literati's calligraphy is amateur. In their eyes, calligraphy is to express their identity and their cultural accomplishment. As an old saying goes, words are like people, so in their eyes, the quality of calligraphy determines their character. Moreover, the first identity of China calligraphers is not calligraphy, but court officials or scholars. Therefore, people with status are not short of money, and they don't have to rely on calligraphy to make a living. Unlike modern people, most people learn calligraphy to make money. Their mentality is different, so the quality of calligraphy is also different.
Second, Wang Xizhi's calligrapher Wang Xizhi is a famous calligrapher in Chinese history. He was born in a wealthy family, so he had no need to worry about his livelihood, so he could create extraordinary calligraphy works. Although Wang Xizhi's calligraphy is excellent enough, in Preface to Lanting, he also expressed his concern that he would not make contributions to his career and pursue his career in order to realize his ideal of home and country. This situation is a common problem of ancient literati in China. They generally hope to serve the country, realize self-cultivation and rule the country. Therefore, their own literary works can not bring them relief.
Third, the loss of traditional culture. Famous calligraphers do not often appear in modern society, which actually implies the loss of traditional culture in China. There are fewer and fewer people who want to learn calligraphy. People who learn calligraphy are more likely to become professional calligraphers and want to earn money to support themselves. This mentality does not allow them to reach the highest achievement of calligraphy.