Zhuangzi
369 BCE – 286 BCE Chinese philosopher
The great Taoist thinker of freedom, paradox, and the natural way.
- Religion
- Taoism, expressed through parable and paradox celebrating spontaneity and the relativity of viewpoints.
- Affiliations
- None. He declined official posts.
Zhuangzi wrote playful, paradoxical stories that question fixed distinctions and celebrate living in tune with nature. His dream of being a butterfly is among the most famous images in philosophy. With Laozi he defined Taoist thought and shaped Chinese art and literature.