Guo Xiang Quotes
Guo Xiang was a Chinese philosopher of the Western Jin dynasty and the most important commentator on the Zhuangzi, whose recension of the text became the standard one transmitted to later generations. Building on the work of his teacher Xiang Xiu, Guo developed in his commentary a Daoist metaphysics of self-so or ziran, in which all things produce themselves out of themselves and the Dao is not a hidden creator behind appearances but the ongoing self-engendering of the world. The quotes below are attributed to Guo Xiang, organized by topic.
Guo Xiang on God
-
Attributed to Guo Xiang:
“There is no ruler behind heaven; heaven rules itself.”
Guo Xiang on Justice
-
“When I realised it wasn’t swimming I signed up for, I just went with it because I liked the challenge. It wasn’t a hobby, but I grew to enjoy it and become good at it through my training. Eventually I developed the goal of competing and winning a gold medal. Little did I know that raising my hand would lead me to where I am now”
Taking The Plunge with Guo Jingjing" in Tatler Asia (25 November 2014)
Guo Xiang on Knowledge
-
“In the ’80s and ’90s, not a lot of people knew what diving was and I didn’t actually know what it meant. When I heard the word ‘water’ in the Chinese pronunciation of ‘diving,’ I had an image of families swimming happily together during the summer—and I wanted to have that.”
Taking The Plunge with Guo Jingjing" in Tatler Asia (25 November 2014) -
“Taking The Plunge with Guo Jingjing" in Tatler Asia (25 November 2014)”
In the ’80s and ’90s, not a lot of people knew what diving was and I didn’t actually know what it meant. When I heard the word ‘water’ in the Chinese pronunciation of ‘diving,’ I had an image of families swimming happily together during the summer—and I wanted to have that. -
“Taking The Plunge with Guo Jingjing" in Tatler Asia (25 November 2014)”
When I realised it wasn’t swimming I signed up for, I just went with it because I liked the challenge. It wasn’t a hobby, but I grew to enjoy it and become good at it through my training. Eventually I developed the goal of competing and winning a gold medal. Little did I know that raising my hand would lead me to where I am now -
“I began to feel like I’d failed if I didn’t win a medal, and I lost that feeling of excitement I felt when I first began.”
Taking The Plunge with Guo Jingjing" in Tatler Asia (25 November 2014) -
“Taking The Plunge with Guo Jingjing" in Tatler Asia (25 November 2014)”
I began to feel like I’d failed if I didn’t win a medal, and I lost that feeling of excitement I felt when I first began. -
“As an athlete, you’re only focused on yourself and it’s mainly about physical exertion, whereas as a mother I have to think not only about myself but also my child. Everything is new to me as a mother. In a way, I also feel like a baby because I’m learning bit by bit. Nobody really understands what being a mother is like until they actually become one. It changes the way you think about everything.”
Taking The Plunge with Guo Jingjing" in Tatler Asia (25 November 2014) -
“Taking The Plunge with Guo Jingjing" in Tatler Asia (25 November 2014)”
As an athlete, you’re only focused on yourself and it’s mainly about physical exertion, whereas as a mother I have to think not only about myself but also my child. Everything is new to me as a mother. In a way, I also feel like a baby because I’m learning bit by bit. Nobody really understands what being a mother is like until they actually become one. It changes the way you think about everything -
“Guo: "I'll never forget the days with Tian"" in China Daily (25 July 2006)”
I don't like discussing my private life in public. It feels strange.
Guo Xiang on Life
-
“I don't like discussing my private life in public. It feels strange.”
Guo: "I'll never forget the days with Tian"" in China Daily (25 July 2006)
Guo Xiang on Nature
-
Attributed to Guo Xiang:
“All things produce themselves out of themselves; the Dao is no maker behind them.”
-
Attributed to Guo Xiang:
“What is so by itself is what is most truly so.”
-
Attributed to Guo Xiang:
“Each creature is right in its own place; the dragonfly is no failed hawk.”
Guo Xiang on Virtue
-
Attributed to Guo Xiang:
“The wise sage does not interfere; he allows each thing to be what it is.”