Zhuangzi
Zhuangzi
Born: c. 369 BCE in Anhui Province
Died: c. 286 BCE
Zhuangzi was an influential Daoist philosopher and writer known for his work 'Zhuangzi', which expounds Daoist philosophy through parables and stories.
History
Zhuangzi was a Daoist philosopher who expanded on Laozi’s ideas, emphasizing the relativity of human concepts and the limits of knowledge. His work, Zhuangzi, is a collection of parables and anecdotes that challenge conventional thinking and celebrate freedom from societal constraints.
Contribution
Zhuangzi’s philosophy champions individuality, spontaneity, and the rejection of rigid distinctions. His writings influenced Chinese literature, painting, and Zen Buddhism. Zhuangzi’s concept of the "butterfly dream" highlights the blurred lines between reality and illusion, a theme that resonates in many philosophical discussions.
