Reflection upon the lines quoted from Book 32 of the Zhuangzi proved to be a dive into the deep end of a pool of rumination on epistemology. But those who are ignorantrely only on what they seeand take it to be what is common to all men. What do I mean when I write…
The attempt to produce equality with what is not equal will only result in inequality. The attempt to make certain with what is not certain will not go beyond uncertainty. One who relies only on seeing with his eyes will be led only by what he sees. It is spirit that leads to certainty….
When Zhuangzi was about to die, his disciples indicated their wish to prepare a grand burial. Zhuangzi remarked, “I shall have heaven and earth for my coffin and its cover, the sun and moon for my two round symbols of jade, the stars and the constellations for my pearls and jewels and all things…
Hence the superior manobserves the people that he employsat a distanceto ascertain their trustworthinessand when employed nearobserves them to test their respect. By assigning them difficult tasks,he tests their ability; by questioningthem unexpectedly, he tests their knowledge;by designating an urgent task, he tests their commitment; by entrusting them with wealth, he tests their benevolence;…
Confucius said, “The minds of men/women are more difficult to comprehend than heaven itself. Heaven has its seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter and the times of morning and evening. But man’s exterior is impenetrable concealed and his feelings lie deep within. Some can have an honest appearance but can be excessively…
The understanding of the small man does not go beyond the details of giving presents and writing memoranda. He wears out his spirit in what is inconsequential and meaningless but wishes to participate in guiding others to the tao and bring about the unity of all things. But he falls into error regarding space…
The sage [insightful] regards what is thought to be necessary as unnecessary, and therefore he is not at war with himself. The multitude of men think what is unnecessary is necessary, therefore they are at war with themselves. Those who rely upon the strategy of war resort to it in all their actions. But…
A man of Zheng, called Huan, studied his books in a place called Quishi. In three years he became a Confucian scholar, bringing benefits to the three classes of his family relations as the yellow river extends its beneficial influence for nine li. He encouraged his younger brother to study the doctrines of Mo,…
Bohun Maoren replied, “It is useless. I have said to you that they would come to you and they have. It is not you that have caused them to come to you, but you cannot prevent them from coming to you. Of what use then was my warning? It was the outward manifestation of…
“The goodness of service does not imply that it is the same on all occasions. Serving parents to provide contentment does not prescribe how it is to be done; in festivities enjoyment does not depend on the dishes that are used; in mourning as an expression of grief the rituals are insignificant. Rites determine…
