His solution to the dilemma was “no-self,” or no sense of self. Zhuangzi was aware that people actually have no way of escaping social intercourse or power structures or of transcending all interests and agendas. He therefore urged people to understand human limitations and “wander” through their lives. A true Confucian is obliged to get actively involved in world affairs, but Zhuangzi encouraged people to stay aloof from politics and earthly obsessions, which he saw as shackles to a free and noble mind. Zhuangzi employs every resource of rhetoric in his writing to persuade people to free themselves from societal bondage, which is exactly the opposite position taken by Confucianism. Zhuangzi is credited with writing the masterpiece named after him: Zhuangzi, which, with its luscious, figurative language and pithy, inspiring tales laden with wider connotations, has been one of the most loved philosophical treatises in Chinese history.

Though in economic distress for much of his life, the great philosopher was convinced that people should be resigned to the natural order of things and stay free of worldly concerns. He made his living weaving straw sandals before becoming a low-ranking official. 369-286 B.C.), or Chuang-tzu, was an influential Taoist thinker from State Song (encompassing parts of today’s Shandong and Henan provinces) during the Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.).

Chuang tzu philosophy