Authors and thinkers
Author

Zhuangzi

6 key ideas, each explained in our own words.

Zhuangzi

  1. IDEA 1

    The butterfly dream

    Zhuangzi dreamed he was a butterfly, then wondered if he was a butterfly dreaming of being Zhuangzi. Certainty about reality is limited.

  2. IDEA 2

    Usefulness of the useless

    A gnarled tree survives because no carpenter wants it. Being "useless" can protect you.

  3. IDEA 3

    Cook Ding

    A butcher who follows the natural joints never dulls his knife. Skill comes from following the grain.

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