Why couldn't most of the ancient poets with high literary achievements become high officials?
This question involved the political and social structure of ancient China as well as the poet's career choice. In ancient China, the poets with high literary achievements were usually not officials, but writers, poets, or cultural celebrities. Their occupation was usually not politicians or military strategists but literati. Although some poets might have political talents, in ancient China, political positions were usually obtained through imperial examinations, and poetry creation was a form of artistic expression rather than a political means. Therefore, most of the ancient poets with high literary achievements did not enter the political field through the imperial examination, but chose to be famous for their literary talent. A poet's career choice was also influenced by society and family. Some poets may come from noble families and they may prefer literature and art to politics or military work. In addition, some poets may have their own political views or tendencies. They may be more willing to pursue their own interests than to devote themselves to officialdom for political benefits. Therefore, although the ancient poets had high literary achievements, they did not necessarily become high officials. Instead, they chose to become famous for their literary talent and become cultural celebrities.
