Abstract：Everyday I examine myself critically again and again" advocated by the Pre Qin Confucianists and "I detach myself from worldly desires" by the Taoists are not only philosophical but also psychological statements. As two routes of psychological activities, the ideas of "examination" and "detachment" have exerted far fetching influence on Chinese ancients in their creation and criticism of poetry, paintings, novels and operas as well as their artistic psychology. The Confucianist "internal examination" included maintaining mental tranquility, fostering noble spirit and self disputing, which required "loyalty" and "forgiveness". Meanwhile, the Taoists advocated "detachment" and "oblivion". And a series of relevant psychological skills were suggested in order to help subjects reach this state. These originally philosophical and ethical ideas, after being transformed and reformed, were thus introduced to the field of literary creation and, to this day, they are still extensively applicable and invite scholars to interpret from plural perspectives.
