Laozi · Zhuangzi

Author: Li Erzhuang Zhou
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features: Examining the entire text of the Laozi, the five thousand words are entirely written in rhyming verse, with many parallel structures. When read in ancient tones, they generally rhyme, and when read in modern tones, they still carry the rhythm and charm of poetry. Upon careful reading, one cannot help but marvel at the simplicity of its words and the profound depth of its meaning. In terms of writing style, Zhuangzi primarily employs "allegories," "repeated speech," and "spontaneous speech," with a unrestrained and vast literary style, transcending the mundane. His arguments are enigmatic and mysterious, marvelous and magnificent, making each chapter a model of pre-Qin prose. Lu Xun praised it as "the work of the late Zhou scholars that none could surpass." Due to the hereditary connection between Zhuangzi's philosophy and Laozi's teachings, the two were later collectively known as "Lao-Zhuang." This book compiles both the Laozi and the Zhuangzi, allowing readers to experience the continuity and evolution of pre-Qin Taoist thought while reading.
The Laozi, also known as the Dao De Jing, is one of the major classic works of Taoism and was hailed by Liang Qichao as "the essence of Taoist literature." The author, Lao Dan, styled himself Er, courtesy name Boyang, was a native of Kuhuan County (now Luyi County) in the Chu State during the late Spring and Autumn Period. Later known as Laozi, he once served as an official in charge of archives in the Zhou Dynasty. Dissatisfied with the turbulent and transformative social reality of his time, he quietly retired and disappeared without a trace.
The Zhuangzi, also known as the Nanhua Jing, is celebrated as one of the most literary philosophical works of the pre-Qin era. The author, Zhuangzi, styled himself Zhou, was a native of Meng County in Suiyang during the Warring States Period. He once served as a lacquer garden official but grew weary of official life and retired to write. After its completion, the work originally consisted of fifty-two chapters, but only thirty-three survive today, divided into Inner Chapters (seven), Outer Chapters (fifteen), and Miscellaneous Chapters (eleven). The entire text is centered around the Inner Chapters, which, including works such as "On" (On the Equality of Things), "On" (On Free and Easy Wandering), and "On" (On the Master of the Ultimate), profoundly reflect Zhuangzi's philosophical thought.