Zhuangzi quotes

I dreamed I was a butterfly, flitting around in the sky; then I awoke. Now I wonder: Am I a man who dreamt of being a butterfly, or am I a butterfly dreaming that I am a man?

I do not know whether I was then a man dreaming I was a butterfly, or whether I am now a butterfly dreaming I am a man.

Men honor what lies within the sphere of their knowledge, but do not realize how dependent they are on what lies beyond it.

Those who seek to satisfy the mind of man by hampering it with ceremonies and music and affecting charity and devotion have lost their original nature.

Great wisdom is generous; petty wisdom is contentious. Great speech is impassioned, small speech cantankerous.

Cherish that which is within you, and shut off that which is without; for much knowledge is a curse.

Rewards and punishments are the lowest form of education.

Those who seek to satisfy the mind of man by hampering it with ceremonies and music and affecting charity and devotion have lost their original nature.

I know the joy of fishes in the river through my own joy, as I go walking along the same river.

Great wisdom is generous; petty wisdom is contentious. Great speech is impassioned, small speech cantankerous.

Life comes from the earth and life returns to the earth.