Zhuangzi

The wise man does not seek to be known, but to know.

c. 4th century BCE — Zhuangzi, Chapter 7, 'Fit for Emperors and Kings'

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The sage embraces things as they are, and does not contend with them.

c. 4th century BCE — Zhuangzi, Chapter 2, 'On the Equality of Things'

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The true man of Tao is like an empty boat: he floats where the wind takes him, and he does not contend with the current.

c. 4th century BCE — Zhuangzi, Chapter 20, 'The Mountain Tree'

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest music has no sound; the greatest form has no shape.

c. 4th century BCE — Zhuangzi, Chapter 13, 'The Way of Heaven'

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The sage is like a shadow: he has no substance, but he is always there.

c. 4th century BCE — Zhuangzi, Chapter 12, 'Heaven and Earth'

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

When the world is in chaos, the sage is in peace.

c. 4th century BCE — Zhuangzi, Chapter 11, 'Let It Be, Leave It Alone'

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The true man of Tao is like a child: he knows nothing, but he is full of wisdom.

c. 4th century BCE — Zhuangzi, Chapter 23, 'Gengsang Chu'

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The sage does not seek to change the world, but to change himself.

c. 4th century BCE — Zhuangzi, Chapter 7, 'Fit for Emperors and Kings'

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I dreamed I was a butterfly, flitting around in the sky; then I awoke. Now I wonder: Am I a man who dreamt of being a butterfly, or am I a butterfly dreaming that I am a man?

4th century BCE — Philosophical paradox from 'Zhuangzi'

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The sage leans on the sun and moon, tucks the universe under his arm.

4th century BCE — Metaphorical expression of transcendence

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

A duck’s legs are short, but if we try to lengthen them, the duck will feel pain.

4th century BCE — Argument against artificiality

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it.

4th century BCE — Philosophical reflection

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The fish trap exists because of the fish; once you’ve gotten the fish, you can forget the trap.

4th century BCE — Metaphor for utility

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Flow with whatever may happen and let your mind be free.

4th century BCE — Teaching on spontaneity

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The perfect man has no self; the spiritual man has no achievement; the true sage has no name.

4th century BCE — Philosophical ideal

Strange & Unusual Confirmed

To be small-minded is to be vain about one’s own accomplishments.

4th century BCE — Critique of ego

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Do not be an embodier of fame; do not be a storehouse of schemes.

4th century BCE — Advice on humility

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Happiness is the absence of the striving for happiness.

4th century BCE — Philosophical paradox

Strange & Unusual Confirmed

Once, Zhuang Zhou dreamed he was a butterfly, a butterfly flitting and fluttering about, happy with himself and doing as he pleased. He didn't know that he was Zhuang Zhou. Suddenly he woke up and there he was, solid and unmistakable Zhuang Zhou. But he didn't know if he was Zhuang Zhou who had dreamt he was a butterfly, or a butterfly dreaming that he was Zhuang Zhou.

4th Century BCE — The Butterfly Dream, Zhuangzi (Chapter 2)

Humorous Unverifiable

The minnows swim about so freely, following the openings wherever they take them. Such is the happiness of fish.

4th Century BCE — Dialogue with Huizi on the Hao River, Zhuangzi (Chapter 17)

Humorous Unverifiable

Sayings by Zhuangzi