Goal Of Human Life By Zhuang Zi

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Discuss how Zhuang Zi addresses the goal of human life in specific ways, and how insightful or challenging these ideas may be for you.
Zhuangzi thinks that the goal of human life is to wander freely, untroubled by worldly matters. He encourages a life without order. According to him, man should aim to achieve a state where the spiritual mind wanders freely, detached from bodily sufferings and any other worldly things.
Zhuangzi rejects seeking fame as a goal of life. He uses the conversation between Yao and Xu You to emphasize that titles are merely names and are not of much importance, even saying that they are ‘handcuffs and fetters’. I think this is a valid viewpoint. Nowadays in Hong Kong, children are instilled with the idea that titles …show more content…

Therefore, he advises us not to compare ourselves to other people and other things in the world, seeing that it will be a futile effort to do so. I think this is an admirable goal. I agree that each person should not derive themselves from others. It might be beneficial to compare ourselves with others (for motivation or learning points) but more often, it will be discouraging. Among millions of people in the world, there is bound to be someone better than you. Besides, comparing with others may induce feelings of inferiority and jealousy. Zhuangzi also encourages us to care less about opinions from others, and not to be bothered by debates of right and wrong. I agree with his attitude of embracing things instead of discriminating, but I think this carelessness must be exercised with care. People from different backgrounds will have different opinions, we must not disrespect them when being …show more content…

Although this relaxed approach may offer consolation in times of trouble, I do not think that it is ideal as there is no way to know if we can truly do nothing about it. Having the problem on your mind makes it easier for you to grasp inspirations to solve the problem. Zhuangzi views life and death as unimportant things. He thinks that everything in the world is equal, including the physical body, and that they not related to the true self. I find his view of just accepting death as a ‘process of change’ slightly radical as it goes against the biological instinct of survival and reproduction.
Finally, Zhuangzi indicates the importance of harmony between heaven, earth and men, asking us to become one with our society and nature. I agree that this is a crucial aspect of the goal of human life. As humans have a major impact on the environment, we should be responsible for the restoration of nature to its unpolluted, unharmed status. It also makes sense for us to protect our habitat in order to survive as a

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