Tao Yuanming was only called a hermit at that time, and his literary creation was not highly praised because his plain and natural style did not conform to the gorgeous style advocated at that time. Xiao Tong was the first person to discover the literary value of Tao Yuanming, and he appreciated his personality and literature. It was not until the Song Dynasty, especially after the promotion of Su Shi and Zhu, and the interpretation of his works, that Tao Yuanming truly established his lofty position in the history of literature, and has maintained it to this day, gaining world reputation.
Tao Yuanming is the spiritual home of China scholar-officials. When many scholar-officials are frustrated or tired of officialdom, they often return to Tao Yuanming to seek new life value and comfort themselves. Bai Juyi, Su Shi, Lu You and Xin Qiji. Therefore, not bowing over five buckets of rice has become a fortress in the spiritual world of China scholar-officials to protect their freedom of choosing sources. And plain nature has become a lofty artistic position in their hearts.