Zhuangzi c. 370 BC – c. 287 BC
Zhuangzi was a Chinese Taoist philosopher of the fourth century BC, regarded with Lao Tzu as one of the two foundational figures of philosophical Taoism. The book that bears his name is one of the masterpieces of classical Chinese literature, combining philosophical argument with parable, paradox, dream sequences, and humour. He is best known for the butterfly dream, which questions the boundary between dream and waking and between self and other, and for his teaching that all distinctions, including life and death, are relative. He developed a vision of the sage as one who lives spontaneously in accord with the Tao, free from rigid social roles and conventional values. His thought has shaped Chinese aesthetics, religion, and political life for over two millennia, and has become an important interlocutor for modern Western philosophy.
Key facts
- Nationality
- Chinese
- Era
- Ancient
- Movements
- Taoism
Selected quotes
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Attributed to Zhuangzi:
“Once upon a time, I, Zhuangzi, dreamt I was a butterfly, fluttering hither and thither, to all intents and purposes a butterfly. I was conscious only of my happiness as a butterfly, unaware that I was Zhuangzi.”
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Attributed to Zhuangzi:
“Great knowledge is broad and unhurried; little knowledge is cramped and busy.”
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Attributed to Zhuangzi:
“He who knows the activity of Heaven and the activity of man is perfect.”
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Attributed to Zhuangzi:
“Just rest in inaction, and things will transform themselves.”
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Attributed to Zhuangzi:
“Words are for capturing meaning; once you have grasped the meaning, you can forget the words.”