Zhuangzi (book)

The Zhuangzi (Chinese: 莊子, historically romanized Chuang Tzŭ) is one of the two foundational texts of Taoism, alongside the Tao Te Ching. It was written in China during the late Warring States period (476–221 BC), and is named for its traditional author Zhuang Zhou. The Zhuangzi consists of stories and maxims that exemplify the nature of the ideal Taoist sage.

The text contains numerous anecdotes, allegories, parables, and fables, often expressed with irreverence or humor. Recurring themes include embracing spontaneity and achieving freedom from the human world and its conventions. Throughout, the text aims to illustrate the arbitrariness and ultimate falsity of dichotomies normally embraced by human societies, such as those between good and bad, large and small, life and death, or human and nature. In contrast with the focus on good morals and personal duty expressed by many Chinese philosophers of the period, Zhuangzi promoted carefree wandering and following nature, through which one would ultimately become one with the "Way" (Tao).

Though appreciation for the work often focuses on the substance of its philosophy, the Zhuangzi is also regarded as one of the greatest works of literature in the Classical Chinese canon. It has significantly influenced major Chinese writers and poets across more than two millennia, with the first attested commentary on the work written during the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). It has been called "the most important pre-Qin text for the study of Chinese literature".