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Zhuangzi: Basic Writings

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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Zhuangzi: Basic Writings explores the core philosophy of Daoism, emphasising the understanding of Daoβ€”the Way of Natureβ€”as essential for achieving true happiness and freedom in life and death. Through parables, anecdotes, allegories, and paradoxes, Zhuangzi presents early Daoist ideas with wit, imagination, and vivid imagery, engaging mythological and historical figures including Confucius to convey his timeless teachings.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for readers interested in philosophy, Eastern thought, and Daoism, as well as those who appreciate literary and historical classic texts interpreted with both scholarly precision and poetic nuance.

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A leading philosopher of the Daoist strain, Zhuangzi used parable and anecdote, allegory and paradox, to set forth the early ideas of what was to become the Daoist school. This is his classic work making sportive use of both mythological and historical personages.

Only by understanding Dao (the Way of Nature) and dwelling in its unity can humankind achieve true happiness and freedom, in both life and death. This is the central tenet of the philosophy espoused by Zhuangzi (369?-286? BCE) in the book that bears his name. A leading philosopher of the Daoist strain, Zhuangzi used parable and anecdote, allegory and paradox, to set forth the early ideas of what was to become the Daoist school. Witty and imaginative, enriched by brilliant imagery, and making sportive use of both mythological and historical personages (including even Confucius), this is a timeless classic.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Only by understanding Dao (the Way of Nature) and dwelling in its unity can humankind achieve true happiness and freedom, in both life and death. This is the central tenet of the philosophy espoused by Zhuangzi (369?-286? BC) in the book that bears his name.

A leading philosopher of the Daoist strain, Zhuangzi used parable and anecdote, allegory and paradox, to set forth the early ideas of what was to become the Daoist school. Witty and imaginative, enriched by brilliant imagery, and making sportive use of both mythological and historical personages (including even Confucius), Zhuangzi: Basic Writings is a timeless classic.

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Burton Watson is celebrated as a master translator whose work on classical Asian texts is both inspirational and poetic. His translation of Zhuangzi has been praised by Asian Affairs and the Journal of Asian Studies as a significant and invaluable contribution to the understanding of Daoist classics.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780231129596

Publisher: Columbia University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 16 April 2003

Country: United States

Imprint: Columbia University Press

Contributors:

  • Translated by Burton Watson
  • Translated by Burton Watson

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 198.0mm

Height: 127.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 168

About the Author

Burton Watson has taught at Columbia, Stanford, and Kyoto Universities and is one of the world's best-known translators of Chinese and Japanese works. His translations include The Demon at Agi Bridge and Other Japanese Tales, The Analects of Confucius, The Tales of the Heike, and The Lotus Sutra; the writings of Mozi, Xunzi, and Han Feizi; The Columbia Book of Chinese Poetry; and Sima Qian's Records of the Grand Historian.

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