Selected Works of Zhuangzi

Author: Lu Yongpin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-05-01
Features: "Zhuangzi" is one of the main philosophical and literary works of China's pre-Qin period, holding an extremely important position in various aspects of Chinese literary history, philosophical history, aesthetic history, and intellectual history. Due to Zhuangzi's dissatisfaction with the dark and oppressive reality of society, the book contains many expressions of indignation, exaggerated statements, and some ironic remarks. During the Warring States period, various schools of thought emerged and performed on the stage, creating an unprecedented lively scene of "hundred schools of thought contending." The Taoist school of Laozi and Zhuangzi stood in opposition to other schools such as Confucianism and Mohism, particularly in their sharp critique of Confucian thought. "Zhuangzi," like other works of the Three Dynasties, also coexists with both essence and dross. Today, when we study ancient works like "Zhuangzi," we should adhere to the principle of critical inheritance and applying the past to the present, absorbing their essence while discarding their dross. Here, only a general introduction to the philosophical thought and literary achievements of "Zhuangzi" will be provided.