Chuang Tzu

Chuang Tzu (4th and 3rd Century BCE)

• As a Daoist, Chuang Tzu believed the proper way to live was through non-action, or more simply, living without an intention in mind. When humans do not forge their own paths, they follow the way already laid out by the Dao. His vision of a perfect government incorporated the same idea: he suggests the government should take minimal action and let things develop naturally.

"The government of the enlightened King? His achievements blanket the world but appear not to be of his own doing. His transforming influence touches the ten thousand things but the people do not depend on him. With him there is no promotion or praise - he lets everything find its own way."

• From Chuang Tzu's Basic Writings translated by Burton Watson.

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