Yang Zhu c. 440 BC – c. 360 BC
Yang Zhu (c. 440 BC – c. 360 BC) was a Chinese philosopher of the Ancient era, associated with Taoism.
Yang Zhu was a Chinese philosopher of the Warring States period, founder of the school traditionally known as the Yangist, who became famous in early Confucian polemic for the doctrine that one would not pluck a single hair from one's body even to benefit the empire. The Mencius portrays him, alongside Mozi, as one of the two great heretical voices of the age, and the seventh book of the Liezi, traditionally attributed to him, develops a hedonist and individualist philosophy of life. He may be read as the founder of an early Chinese tradition of self-cultivation rooted in the value of the individual life rather than in the obligations of family, ruler, or state.
Key facts
- Nationality
- Chinese
- Era
- Ancient
- Movements
- Taoism
Selected quotes
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Attributed to Yang Zhu:
“I would not pluck a single hair from my body to benefit the empire.”
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Attributed to Yang Zhu:
“Life is given once; squander it not in the service of any abstraction.”
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Attributed to Yang Zhu:
“The wise man tends to his own life, and so the world about him quietly takes care of itself.”
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Attributed to Yang Zhu:
“Reputation is a borrowed garment; it does not warm the bones in winter.”
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Attributed to Yang Zhu:
“Live for the day; tomorrow's empire is no concern of yours.”
Frequently asked about Yang Zhu
- When did Yang Zhu live?
- Yang Zhu was born in c. 440 BC and died in c. 360 BC.
- Where was Yang Zhu from?
- Yang Zhu was a Chinese philosopher of the Ancient era.
- What philosophical movements is Yang Zhu associated with?
- Yang Zhu was associated with Taoism.
- What was Yang Zhu known for?
- Yang Zhu was a Chinese philosopher of the Warring States period, founder of the school traditionally known as the Yangist, who became famous in early Confucian polemic for the doctrine that one would not pluck a single hair from one's body even to benefit the empire.
- How many quotes are attributed to Yang Zhu?
- There are 15 attributed quotations from Yang Zhu in the 1001Philosophers collection, organized by topic.