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Zhuang Zhou, known as Zhuangzi (circa 369–286 BCE), was a Chinese philosopher from the State of Song during the Warring States period. A central figure in Daoism, he expanded upon Laozi’s teachings, emphasizing relativism, naturalness, and spiritual freedom.
Known for: Zhuangzi: Basic Writings
Books by Zhuangzi
Zhuangzi: Basic Writings
Zhuangzi: Basic Writings is a foundational Daoist text attributed to the philosopher Zhuang Zhou (Zhuangzi) of the Warring States period. Through parables, allegories, and dialogues, it explores the concept of the Dao (the Way), advocating harmony with nature, spontaneity, and freedom from worldly attachments. The work profoundly influenced Chinese philosophy, literature, and aesthetics, standing as one of the cornerstones of Daoist thought.
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The Transformation of Kun and Peng: The Vastness of Perspective
Let us begin with the opening image of transformation—the fish Kun turning into the bird Peng. In the ocean’s depths lives Kun, a creature so unimaginably large that its very scale defies human measure. When it transforms, it becomes Peng, whose wings stretch across heaven, whose flight carries it n...
From Zhuangzi: Basic Writings
Dialogues on Relativity: Zhuangzi and Hui Shi
My discussions with Hui Shi, my friend and rival, reveal the playful tension between knowledge and ignorance. Hui Shi was a master of logical paradox, fond of disputation, yet his sharpness often trapped him in his own web of distinctions. Together we explored the relativity of all opposites—life an...
From Zhuangzi: Basic Writings
About Zhuangzi
Zhuang Zhou, known as Zhuangzi (circa 369–286 BCE), was a Chinese philosopher from the State of Song during the Warring States period. A central figure in Daoism, he expanded upon Laozi’s teachings, emphasizing relativism, naturalness, and spiritual freedom. Revered as the 'True Man of Nanhua,' his ...
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Zhuang Zhou, known as Zhuangzi (circa 369–286 BCE), was a Chinese philosopher from the State of Song during the Warring States period. A central figure in Daoism, he expanded upon Laozi’s teachings, emphasizing relativism, naturalness, and spiritual freedom. Revered as the 'True Man of Nanhua,' his ...
Zhuang Zhou, known as Zhuangzi (circa 369–286 BCE), was a Chinese philosopher from the State of Song during the Warring States period. A central figure in Daoism, he expanded upon Laozi’s teachings, emphasizing relativism, naturalness, and spiritual freedom. Revered as the 'True Man of Nanhua,' his writings, along with the Dao De Jing, form the core of classical Daoist philosophy.
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Zhuang Zhou, known as Zhuangzi (circa 369–286 BCE), was a Chinese philosopher from the State of Song during the Warring States period. A central figure in Daoism, he expanded upon Laozi’s teachings, emphasizing relativism, naturalness, and spiritual freedom.
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