In middle school, in Chinese class, we often talked about Laozi and Zhuangzi's concept of "useless usefulness," as well as Confucian "engagement with the world" and Daoist "detachment from the world."



Now, after reading more of Zhuangzi, I realize that Zhuangzi is more "engaged with the world" than Confucius. Benevolence, righteousness, and morality are "ought" philosophies, frameworks for the changing external world; whereas the Way of Heaven is about randomness, change, and absurdity. Therefore, the wise tend to remain weak, and are not harmed by the strong.

First, cultivate oneself; then, influence others. A story from the mortal world is enough to answer all the questions of intellectuals.

Knowing that something is impossible and accepting it as fate, the pain of obsession is actually self-inflicted suffering.
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