本文以方弘靜(1517-1611)的兩種著作做為討論對象，考察他對16世紀至17世紀初中國社會變遷的看法。做為一位出生於徽州的正統儒學家，他觀察到這近百年之間，政治風氣日漸敗壞，官場上賄賂與貪污越來越嚴重；生員考試則因為金錢介入，導致貧窮者難以考上。文人也漸漸庸俗化，在達官貴人之間遊走，從中取得錢財等利益。而為了賺取潤筆費，對墓誌銘、傳記的主人翁，文字可以刻意美化。書籍出版的市場，也因文人急於成名而大為蓬勃，甚至出現購買他人文稿頂替的現象。在習俗方面，生日慶壽越來越奢侈，婚嫁也越來越看重金額，喪禮也越來越舖張，迎神賽會則必請來戲班助興。在物質享受方面，飲宴毫無節制，衣著講究高級材質，出門坐轎成為流行，骨董、字畫等都成為炒作的商品。他一身力行簡樸，且尊重禮教，故在社會變遷的過程中，極為懷念風俗淳厚的「黃金歲月」──14、15世紀，而對於徽州受到外來奢靡風氣的「污染」，也一直憂心忡忡，更寄望官員或鄉紳能以身作則，但他的期望似乎是落空了。

Based upon two works by Fang Hung-ching's (1517-1611), an orthodox Confucian scholar in the late Ming, this paper examines his keen observation and fierce critique of the culture of his times. Born (and grew up) in Huizhou, Fang had witnessed the rapid change of the social customs in the past century: first of all, the political corruption was overwhelming that bribery had seriously undermined the official ethics. Money was involved in civil service examinations, and as a result it became extremely difficult for the poor students to climb the ladder of success. Many philistine literati were endeavoring to befriend high officials and eminent people in order to acquire material gain and other favors. Craving for reward, they would exaggerate or even fabricate nice things about a person on his epitaph or in his biography. The book publishing industry was flourishing since literati were eager to become famous. They would even purchase other people's writings and assume the identity of the author. As for social customs, birthday parties were increasingly extravagant, and money became more and more important in marriage arrangements. Funerals were also squandering and overdone in many aspects. Acting troupes were always invited to perform at temple festivals in honor of local deities. As for the incessant search after material comforts, unrestrained drinking banquets were held everywhere, and wearing expensive clothes became a trend. Riding in sedan chairs was popular. Antiques and paintings became speculative commodities. Fighting against the current, Fang Hung-ching himself practiced simplicity and frugality and respected decency and propriety all his life. Evidently he felt nostalgic toward the "Golden Age" – the Ming China during the 14th and 15th centuries -- when a simple and honest life was highly valued. He kept expressing his worries that Huizhou would be "polluted" by extravagant customs and hoping the local officials and gentries would set a good example to clear up what has been confounded and set things right. However, it seems that his hopes were never realized.