Ji Kang lost his father in his early years, and his family was poor, but he was still inspirational and diligent, and he learned a lot in literature, metaphysics and music. He married Cao Cao's great-granddaughter Changle Pavilion. He used to be a doctor in No.3 middle school, known as "Jizhong No.3 middle school" in history.
At that time, Si Mazhao wanted to win over Ji Kang, but Ji Kang was inclined to the royal side in the political struggle at that time and took an uncooperative attitude towards Sima Shi, so he was quite jealous. Zhong Hui, Si Mazhao's confidant, wanted to make friends with Ji Kang, but he was given a cold shoulder. Since then, he has made a feud. Ji Kang's friend Lu An was falsely accused by his brother as unfilial. Ji Kang came forward to defend Lu, and Zhong Hui advised him to take the opportunity to get rid of Lu and Ji.
Ji Kang was in the heyday of metaphysics in Wei and Jin Dynasties. He had his own views on Hyunri, saying that "Laozi and Zhuangzhou are my teachers", which showed his obedience to Laozi and Zhuangzi. He also believes that immortals are born and can't be achieved by cultivation. But if properly cultivated, ordinary people can live a long life, which is different from the popular saying that eating is soaring to immortality.
Ji Kang's character is manifested in his criticism of Confucianism and etiquette. At that time, in order to maintain its political power, Sima Group strongly advocated etiquette and law, and detained some scholars with the so-called "human feelings are reasonable and the court has laws." Ji Kang, on the other hand, emphasized the "nature" of Taoism in a series of articles, exposing the hypocritical nature of etiquette and "treating others with courtesy".
Ji Kang often expresses his strong cynicism in his poems, so some of his novels, poems and literary works are straightforward, cynical and sharp-edged, showing the characteristics of being sober and alert.
Some of his other poems contain metaphysical elements, such as "complacent, too mysterious to swim, and forget the fish if you like it". All these have weakened the vividness of his poetic images to some extent. But in general, Ji Kang's poems, especially four-character poems, still have a considerable position in the history of literature.
Ji Kang achieved more in prose than in poetry. His essays, letters and biographies are all well written. There are only 9 essays left, most of which are long, the most famous of which are On Health, On Sound without Sorrow. Most of these articles expounded his philosophy, politics and ethics. For example, the theory of health preservation advocates that "nothing is complacent, the body is wonderful, the heart is mysterious, the joy is forgotten, and the life is left".
Ji Kang dares to speak and write, and his deeds and experiences have a great influence on the ethos and value orientation of later generations. In addition, Ji Kang's works can reflect the ideological trend of the times at that time and bring some inspiration to later literary creation.