Zhuang Zi

by Zhuang Zhou

This book Zhuang Zi is an ancient Chinese work from the late Warring States period which contains stories and anecdotes that exemplify the carefree nature of the ideal Daoist sage. The author Zhuang Zhou is a famous philosopher in ancient Chinawho named Master Zhuang.

Genres: Philosophy, China

894 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[GojiraKing]

I really enjoyed it. Some great rational wisdom to be found. I hear a lot of people say you can’t separate Taoism into philosophical vs religious and I will admit I’m not expert. But reading this I didn’t get the feeling I was reading a book of spiritual mythology, like I have when reading other holy books, but a book of intelligent philosophy written in a time where the only way to really reach conclusions about life and the universe was to talk to each other.

The translation is a bit iffy. The gist can be understood but there are spelling errors and grammatical errors and the occasional mistranslation. It could have done with maybe a glossary of terms/names. I was half way through before I figured out the connection between Huang-Di and the three sovereigns and five emperors. But still a great read.

[Christopher Waller]

By far the most mystical and elliptical of the early Chinese texts I read. The notion of the wise man who says things which only barely make any sense might apply.

Still, there is something here which I suspect will keep me coming back. The final notion, that words are a tool to understanding, and once understanding has been obtained the words can be forgotten, is among the most astute and profound observations I have ever read in a philosophy book.

[ancheezy]

One of the best piece of writing in both its philosophy and artistry. So many revolutionary ideas condensed and conveyed in so many different ways that genuinely left me at aw for how great the mind of Zhuang Zhou must’ve been. Might be a hard read for some especially with western readers but once you understand a little bit more about the Chinese writing style and history it reveals itself as a goldmine. Absolutely incredible, changed the life of a pretentious teenager who was always saddened by anxiety.

[Seong]

Love Taoism. Some symbolic and impressive passages, but partially a bit apologetic (Laozi is better)