All men know the utility of useful things; but they do not know the utility of futility.
ZHUANGZIAll men know the utility of useful things; but they do not know the utility of futility.
ZHUANGZIThe man who has some respect for his person keeps his carcass out of sight, hides himself as perfectly as he can.
ZHUANGZIThe space under the sky is occupied by all things in their unity.
ZHUANGZITo exercise no-thought and rest in nothing is the first step toward resting in Tao. To start from nowhere and follow no road is the first step toward attaining Tao.
ZHUANGZIWhen there is no more separation between ‘this’ and ‘that,’ it is called the still-point of the Tao. At the still point in the center of the circle one can see the infinite in all things.
ZHUANGZITo be constant is to be useful. To be useful is to realize one’s true nature. Realization of one’s true nature is happiness. When one reaches happiness, one is close to perfection.
ZHUANGZICan a man cling to the positive without any negative in contrast to which it is seen to be positive? If he claims to do so he is a rouge or a madman.
ZHUANGZILife comes from the earth and life returns to the earth.
ZHUANGZIDo not let the artificial obliterate the natural; do not let will obliterate destiny; do not let virtue be sacrificed to fame.
ZHUANGZITo go outside what your charge was, and to try to solve everything yourself, is dangerous.
ZHUANGZILet everything be allowed to do what it naturally does, so that its nature will be satisfied.
ZHUANGZIMen of this world all rejoice in others being like themselves, and object to others not being like themselves.
ZHUANGZIThose 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.
ZHUANGZII am going to try speaking some reckless words, and I want you to try to listen recklessly.
ZHUANGZIFlow with whatever may happen and let your mind be free. Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing. This is the ultimate.
ZHUANGZILet your mind wander in simplicity, blend your spirit with the vastness, follow along with things the way they are, and make no room for personal views-then the world will be governed.
ZHUANGZI