Zhuangzi I

Dates

April 15, 2021

Notes

Transformation and skeptical questioning

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If I tell you not to follow a dao, am I in fact asking you to follow a dao —the dao of not following daos? Is there such a dao? How can you follow the dao of someone who claims there may be no correct dao? A warning: The Zhuangzi is a strikingly nutty and philosophically deep text!

The Zhuangzi requires imaginative reading and engagement. It's at once funny, outrageous, probing, and fearless. Our reading of the Lunyu and Mozi will help make parts of it more accessible. I'll help provide historical and philosophical context as we move through.

You should read ALL of the first 7 chapters (the 'Inner Chapters' or Nei Pian 內篇) in one go before circling back. You’ll be confused at points but it's good to have a general overview of these 'Inner Chapters'. We will likely only get through Chapter 1 and part of Chapter 2 on the first date, so focus on those after the initial run through.

Primary Text Readings

Ziporyn, Zhuangzi: The Complete Writings, Introduction; Chapter 1; Chapter 2

Optional Readings

Free and Easy Conversing

Liam: the Warhol museum really is the best in the city, thanks for inviting me! Tell you what, it's such a lovely evening, why don't we walk into town just for the stroll, rather than going home straight away? Aaron: Definitely!

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