"Zhuangzi" is a collection of philosophical essays written by Zhuang Zhou, a representative figure of Taoism during the Warring States Period, and his followers. It is also called "Nanhua Jing" and is also called "Laozi and Zhuangzi" together with "Laozi". It is an important classic of Taoist thought.
There are 33 chapters in the book, divided into three parts: internal chapters, external chapters, and miscellaneous chapters. It is generally believed that the 7 inner chapters were written by Zhuangzi himself, embodying his core ideas; the 15 outer chapters and the 11 miscellaneous chapters were mostly added by later disciples or Taoist scholars, continuing and developing Zhuangzi's ideas.
The book takes "Tao" as the highest philosophical category, advocates "the unity of nature and man" and "quietness and inaction", believes that all things are the same, opposes artificiality, pursues absolute spiritual freedom, and puts forward the ideal state of "free travel". His writing is unbridled and unbridled, and he is good at using fables and reasoning. Allusions such as "The Frog at the Bottom of a Well", "Learning to Walk in Handan" and "The Cook Ding Jie Niu" have been passed down through the ages. He integrates abstract philosophy into vivid stories, which are both literary and speculative.
"Zhuangzi" is not only a classic in the history of Chinese philosophy, but also has a profound influence on later literature, art, thought and other fields. It is an important book for understanding traditional Chinese culture and wisdom.
Reader comments
After reading a book, I feel that now I am reading just for reading, to kill time, and to keep myself from being bored. Every time I close the book, I think about what gains or improvements I have gained from this reading, nothing has been developed, and I can't remember anything in the book.
A strong sense of enlightenment
I read it every day and feel deeply
Beautiful writing, moisturizing and silent
Very well written: the author vividly and interestingly describes Zhuangzi's words in their true state. It is very helpful for those who are new to reading the original text of "Zhuangzi".
I have read a lot of interpretations, and this one is really unique. The text is very delicate and has a strong sense of immersion. It feels like I am right next to them listening to them talk about "Tao".
After reading a book, I feel that now I am reading just for reading, to kill time, and to keep myself from being bored. Every time I close the book, I think about what gains or improvements I have gained from this reading, nothing has been developed, and I can't remember anything in the book.
A strong sense of enlightenment I read it every day and feel deeply
Beautiful writing, moisturizing and silent
Very well written: the author vividly and interestingly describes Zhuangzi's words in their true state. It is very helpful for those who are new to reading the original text of "Zhuangzi".
I have read a lot of interpretations, and this one is really unique. The text is very delicate and has a strong sense of immersion. It feels like I am right next to them listening to them talk about "Tao".