Zhuangzi is the masterpiece of Zhuangzi, and Walden is the masterpiece of Henry David Thoreau. This paper intends to study the similarities of Zhuangzi's and Thoreau's outlooks on life by analyzing Thoreau'...Zhuangzi is the masterpiece of Zhuangzi, and Walden is the masterpiece of Henry David Thoreau. This paper intends to study the similarities of Zhuangzi's and Thoreau's outlooks on life by analyzing Thoreau's origin with Taoism and the absorption from Taoism in Walden. By making a large amount of analysis and comparison of the texts in these two works, the paper comes to such a conclusion: both Thoreau and Zhuangzi advocate to simplify people's material life and to seek voluntary poverty; they are willing to enjoy the solitude and pursue the spiritual independence and freedom; they prefer to return to nature, live harmoniously with nature and therefore reach the realm of"unity of heaven and humanity". They pay more attention to human existence and their spiritual state. In the complicated modern society, people devote themselves to seeking a materially rich life. However, they do not attach enough importance to spiritual richness. As a result, the whole human society is facing a serious spiritual crisis in modern times. Thoreau's and Zhuangzi's outlooks on life can lead people to go through various difficulties of life and guard the pure land of the heart.展开更多
The present article addresses two lingering questions in the interpretation of the Zhuangzi莊子—(a)How can one reconcile the scepticism of the Zhuangzi with its positive project(s)?and(b)Who can become a sagely perso...The present article addresses two lingering questions in the interpretation of the Zhuangzi莊子—(a)How can one reconcile the scepticism of the Zhuangzi with its positive project(s)?and(b)Who can become a sagely person?The questions are addressed with reference to aspects of William James’accounts of the ethics and psychology of belief.展开更多
Hans-Georg Moeller and Paul J.D'Ambrosio's Genuine Pretending:On the Philosophy of the Zhuangzi,is a timely,interesting,and enjoyable work that gives an extensive overview of contemporary scholarly literature ...Hans-Georg Moeller and Paul J.D'Ambrosio's Genuine Pretending:On the Philosophy of the Zhuangzi,is a timely,interesting,and enjoyable work that gives an extensive overview of contemporary scholarly literature on the Zhuangzi(and Confucianism)whilst offering an alternative possible reading of this text.The Zhuangzi,an ancient Daoist text full of weird and wonderful characters and stories,has inspired a multitude of different readings.展开更多
文摘Zhuangzi is the masterpiece of Zhuangzi, and Walden is the masterpiece of Henry David Thoreau. This paper intends to study the similarities of Zhuangzi's and Thoreau's outlooks on life by analyzing Thoreau's origin with Taoism and the absorption from Taoism in Walden. By making a large amount of analysis and comparison of the texts in these two works, the paper comes to such a conclusion: both Thoreau and Zhuangzi advocate to simplify people's material life and to seek voluntary poverty; they are willing to enjoy the solitude and pursue the spiritual independence and freedom; they prefer to return to nature, live harmoniously with nature and therefore reach the realm of"unity of heaven and humanity". They pay more attention to human existence and their spiritual state. In the complicated modern society, people devote themselves to seeking a materially rich life. However, they do not attach enough importance to spiritual richness. As a result, the whole human society is facing a serious spiritual crisis in modern times. Thoreau's and Zhuangzi's outlooks on life can lead people to go through various difficulties of life and guard the pure land of the heart.
文摘The present article addresses two lingering questions in the interpretation of the Zhuangzi莊子—(a)How can one reconcile the scepticism of the Zhuangzi with its positive project(s)?and(b)Who can become a sagely person?The questions are addressed with reference to aspects of William James’accounts of the ethics and psychology of belief.
文摘Hans-Georg Moeller and Paul J.D'Ambrosio's Genuine Pretending:On the Philosophy of the Zhuangzi,is a timely,interesting,and enjoyable work that gives an extensive overview of contemporary scholarly literature on the Zhuangzi(and Confucianism)whilst offering an alternative possible reading of this text.The Zhuangzi,an ancient Daoist text full of weird and wonderful characters and stories,has inspired a multitude of different readings.