Zhuangzi

庄子

Warring States (369-286)

3 Quotes

Biography

Ancient Chinese philosopher, important representative of Taoism

About Zhuangzi

-369 - -286

Biography

Zhuangzi (c. 369-286 BCE), named Zhou, courtesy name Zixiu, was from Meng, Song State (present-day Shangqiu, Henan) during the Warring States period, an important representative of Taoism. Born into poverty, he once served as a minor official in charge of a lacquer garden. He was erudite with profound thoughts, inheriting and developing Laozi's Taoist philosophy. Throughout his life, he was indifferent to fame and fortune, refusing King Wei of Chu's invitation, preferring to "drag his tail in the mud" rather than serve as an official. His thoughts were full of romantic characteristics, earning him the title "philosopher-poet."

Philosophical System

Zhuangzi's philosophy takes "free and easy wandering" as the highest realm, pursuing absolute spiritual freedom. He proposed the "equality of things," believing all things are equal with no absolute standards of right and wrong. He emphasized "the usefulness of the useless," believing seemingly useless things often have great utility. He advocated "following nature," opposing artificial intervention and transformation. He proposed the cultivation method of "sitting and forgetting," achieving spiritual transcendence by forgetting external things. His philosophy is full of imagination and poetry, embodying romantic characteristics.

Major Works

The "Zhuangzi," also called "Nanhua Jing," consists of thirty-three surviving chapters divided into Inner Chapters, Outer Chapters, and Miscellaneous Chapters. The seven Inner Chapters are considered Zhuangzi's own work, including "Free and Easy Wandering," "On the Equality of Things," "The Secret of Caring for Life," etc. The book expounds philosophy through allegories and stories with beautiful writing and rich imagination, being both a philosophical work and literary masterpiece. Stories like "Zhuangzi Dreams of Being a Butterfly" and "Cook Ding Cuts Up an Ox" are widely known.

Historical Significance

Zhuangzi was an important representative of Taoism, whose thoughts enriched and developed Taoist philosophy. The book "Zhuangzi" holds important positions in both Chinese philosophical and literary history, with its allegorical stories and philosophical speculation influencing countless later thinkers and writers. Zhuangzi's "free and easy wandering" thought became important content in Chinese literati's spiritual pursuit, and his romantic spirit profoundly influenced Chinese culture.

Cultural Influence

Zhuangzi's thoughts profoundly influenced Chinese culture, with his "free and easy wandering" spiritual pursuit becoming the ideal realm for Chinese literati. Literati throughout history drew spiritual nourishment from Zhuangzi, learning his transcendent attitude toward worldly affairs. Zhuangzi's literary achievements were also high, with his allegorical stories and beautiful writing influencing later literary creation. In modern times, Zhuangzi's thoughts still have important value, providing spiritual comfort and life wisdom for people.

Key Concepts

Free and easy wandering (spiritual realm), equality of things (philosophical concept), usefulness of the useless (value concept), following nature (life attitude), sitting and forgetting (cultivation method), Zhuangzi dreams of butterfly (classic allegory), Nanhua Jing (classic work)