This essay investigates both the cause and process in which Lu You's interest in life began to change beginning in 1189, and the influence and meaning of his new interest. This investigation is based on Lu You's personal history and writings. On the basis of Lu You's involvement in and understanding of politics, the first part of this essay studies th his diminishing interest for political achievement and fame before and after 1189. The second part then explores two main concerns of Lu You's interest for personal cultivation under the government of Emperor Guangzong (1190-1194). The author attempts to show that, since the succession of Emperor Guangzong, Lu You's strong interest for achievement and fame gradually waned due to his life experience and insight into political affairs, and that this interest almost entirely disappeared after his retirement in 1203. In direct correspondence with his waning interest in fame is his gradual increase of interest in personal cultivation. This interest in personal cultivation consisted of two main concerns: the perfection of his nature and the education of the common people. It was a source of inner peace and contentment for him and the fountainhead of his self-esteem