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<p>The <i>Zhuangzi</i> first proposes the expression, “sageliness within and kingliness without”, but some scholars argue that Zhuangzi was a reclusive hermit in pursuit of individual freedom and self-security. The present study will argue that Zhuangzi had proposed thought-provoking ideas concerning not just how to cultivate oneself but how to govern the people. He focused on the consolidation of spirit within and the practice of non-purposeful and unnoticeable action without. To consolidate one’s spirit is to be detached from all things, including life and death and to follow natural process. To practice non-purposeful and unnoticeable action is to follow the nature of things and avoid stimulating the desires of the people. From this perspective, Zhuangzi spilled much ink in criticizing Confucian over-governance and posited a society of perfect unity for its readers. Hence, Zhuangzi’s non-action means not just doing something without leaving any trace as shown in the dialogues from the <i>Ying Di Wang</i> and <i>Geng Sang Chu</i> chapters, but also assigning everyone a proper place according to his unique ability and nature. In this way, Zhuangzi united following natural course and exerting human effort, and achieved the ideal government.</p>

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Sageliness Within, Kingliness Without and Non-Purposeful Action in the Zhuangzi

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年7月19日

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  • Mingran Tan

摘要

The Zhuangzi first proposes the expression, “sageliness within and kingliness without”, but some scholars argue that Zhuangzi was a reclusive hermit in pursuit of individual freedom and self-security. The present study will argue that Zhuangzi had proposed thought-provoking ideas concerning not just how to cultivate oneself but how to govern the people. He focused on the consolidation of spirit within and the practice of non-purposeful and unnoticeable action without. To consolidate one’s spirit is to be detached from all things, including life and death and to follow natural process. To practice non-purposeful and unnoticeable action is to follow the nature of things and avoid stimulating the desires of the people. From this perspective, Zhuangzi spilled much ink in criticizing Confucian over-governance and posited a society of perfect unity for its readers. Hence, Zhuangzi’s non-action means not just doing something without leaving any trace as shown in the dialogues from the Ying Di Wang and Geng Sang Chu chapters, but also assigning everyone a proper place according to his unique ability and nature. In this way, Zhuangzi united following natural course and exerting human effort, and achieved the ideal government.