 The close connection between Xuanxue and “Pure Conversation” (qingtan) is often cited as evidence pointing to the former’s escapist interests. Pure Conversation was one of the hallmarks of early medieval Chinese literati culture. In its mature form, it found expression in high-minded debates on topical philosophical concerns, such as the relationship between “capacity” and “nature” in a person (to be discussed in Section 5 below). Pure Conversation has been traced to a protest movement against political corruption that erupted toward the end of the Han period. The protests were harshly suppressed. Consequently, some commentators argue, many intellectuals became disillusioned with the political process. Fearing for their safety also, they turned to, as it were, “purer” pursuits, channeling their creative energy to art and philosophy, away from the treacherous waters of politics. Culturally, they indulged in wine, games, including Pure Conversation, and outlandish behavior that seemed to have been designed expressly to upset the status quo. Examples of these will be mentioned below. As Xuanxue informed Pure Conversation philosophically, it is therefore charged with having given rein to a spirit of disengagement that took refuge in unproductive intellectual exchanges and certain counter-culture expressions.