Zhuangzi (c. 369–286 BC), born Zhou in the State of Song during the Warring States period, is the foremost representative of Daoist philosophy alongside Laozi. He developed and expanded Laozi's teachings, becoming famous for his literary brilliance and masterful parables collected in the Zhuangzi, a masterpiece of both Chinese philosophy and literature.
Zhuangzi advocated the unity of all things and absolute spiritual freedom. His butterfly dream parable explores the dissolution of boundaries between self and world, while Cook Ding's story illustrates the wisdom of acting in harmony with nature. When the King of Chu offered him a ministerial post, he refused, preferring the freedom of a turtle dragging its tail in mud.
Zhuangzi's philosophy profoundly influenced Neo-Daoism, Chan Buddhism, and Chinese literary arts. His ideas about spiritual liberation, spontaneity, and perspective-taking are increasingly applied in contemporary psychology, mindfulness practice, and the pursuit of authentic living.
