Therefore Shen Dao cast aside his learning
and all concern for himself,
Acting only when it was necessary,
and strove to be disinterested and pure
in his relationship with others.

He said that the best knowledge is to have no knowledge
and that a little knowledge could be dangerous.

Regarding himself as unqualified,
he took on no projects, and laughed at those
who admired ability and virtue.
Forgetful and retreating, he did not act,
he spurned the most renowned sages of the world.

Evening out the corners
and breaking free from all bonds,
he was attuned to all conditions.
He set aside right and wrong,
being concerned only with avoiding harm.
He learned little
from the knowledgeable and discerning
and paid no attention to what transpired;
he prevailed
with a sublime indifference to everything.

Zhuangzi trans. by Hyun Höchsmann and Yang Guorong, Book 33 Under the Heaven

The legend of Shen Dao.

The concluding chapter of the Zhuangzi pays homage to heads of state of past generations. The reader is again reminded of the antiquity of Chinese society. Shen Dao is one of three legendary rulers following the precepts of Mozi. Mozi, also known as Mo Tzu, was an influential Chinese political philosopher and religious reformer active during the Warring States period (475-221 B.C.E). Mozi’s philosophy a utilitarian  promotion of universal love, stands in contrast to Confucian practices. Particularly regarding the use of resources, as he criticized extravagant rituals and advocated for frugality in governance. He promoted a distinct view of heaven as a moral guide, linking ethical behavior to divine reward and punishment. 

I have taken note of major Chinese philosophies implicit recognition of the tao or naturalistic way-making as a component of their system of thought.

Shen Dao takes pains to renounce ego/self-interest. He was anti-interventionist as a matter of general policy. An attitude of openness, no preconceived notions, was his approach to relationships with neighboring states. He was a “less is more” individual. He regarded credentials is over-rated. He also thought that reputation (virtue) was a faux resource, that too was over-rated. Shen Dao avoided sharp-edged intervention into the affairs of others. He preferred a wait and see approach, that on balance, skewed conditions do reach equilibrium. I do not believe he was set against education. Rather he understood that every day and every situation is new, without precedent. 

His rule of thumb: Whatever is done, avoid further injury/harm.

What do you think?

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I cannot conceive of life without music. This tune, Rock’n Roll Heaven by The Righteous Brothers will illumine our way. I’d like to believe in “forever”.