Chuang-Tzu
The basic writings of Chuang Tzu have been savored by Chinese readers for over two thousand years. And Burton Watson's lucid and beautiful translation has been loved by generations of readers. Chuang Tzu (369?-286? B.C.) was a leading philosopher representing the Taoist strain in Chinese thought. Using parable and anecdote, allegory and paradox, he set forth, in the book that bears his name, the early ideas of what was to become the Taoist school. Central to these is the belief that only by understanding Tao (the Way of Nature) and dwelling in its unity can man achieve true happiness and freedom, in both life and death. Chuang Tzu: Basic Writingsincludes the seven "inner chapters," which form the heart of the book, three of the "outer chapters," and one of the "miscellaneous chapters." Watson also provides an introduction, placing the philosopher in relation to Chinese history and thought. Witty and imaginative, enriched by brilliant imagery, and making sportive use of both mythological and historical personages (including even Confucius), this timeless classic is sure to appeal to anyone interested in Chinese religion and culture.
Stats for nerds
1recommend
4mentions
4people
2017–2023years
25% recommend75% neutral
Mentions per year
What Hacker News says
- The obvious second book to read after Laozi is Zhuangzi (Chuang-Tzu). His book is a joy to read, full of humor and anecdotes, where Laozi's reads like cryptic poetry. Both books describe a common worldview of harmonious living with the natural world, from complementary perspectives.
I personally recommend Burton Watson's translation of Zhuangzi.
- There is a famous story about Zhuangzi [if you prefer, Chuang Tzu] that goes like this:
-----
Zhuangzi and Huizi were crossing a bridge over the river Hao.
Zhuangzi said: the fish have come out to play; this makes them happy.
Huizi said: You are not a fish. How do you know what makes fish happy?
Zhuangzi said: You are not me. How do you know that I don't know what makes fish happy?
Huizi said: I am not you. Of course I do not know you. [But] you are certainly not a fish. Your non-knowledge of what makes fish happy is total.
Zhuangzi said: Please stick to your original [question]. You asked how I know what makes fish happy. You already knew that I knew this and [still] you asked me. I know it over the Hao.
-----
"I know it over the Hao" makes sense because in the original language, the word "how", 安, is also the word "where".
The story comes down to us as part of a foundational text. Is it wisdom or a cheap joke?
- “He who knows he is a fool is not the biggest fool; he who knows he is confused is not in the worst confusion. The man in the worst confusion will end his life without ever getting straightened out; the biggest fool will end his life without ever seeing the light. If three men are traveling along and one is confused, they will still get where they are going - because confusion is in the minority. But if two of them are confused, then they can walk until they are exhausted and never get anywhere - because confusion is in the majority.” ― Zhuangzi, The Complete Works of Chuang Tzu
- Daoism, I guess, especially the branch established by Chuang Tzu
