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A Different Type of Individualism in Zhuangzi

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Abstract

Individualism is not only a Western tradition. In the Zhuangzi we can also identify some elements which may be appropriately attributed to “individualism.” However, due to its particular cultural and philosophical background, Zhuangzian individualism has unique characteristics, which distinguish it from the variety of other individualist thoughts that have emerged in the West. Zhuangzi has a dynamic and open view on individual “self,” considering individuals as changing and unique beings rather than fixed and interchangeable “atoms”; he sets the unlimited Dao as the ultimate source for individuals to conform to, thus releasing individual mind into a realm of infinite openness and freedom. The Zhuangzian individualism is “inward” rather than “outward,” concentrating on individual spirit rather than material interests and rights in social reality. The individualism in the Zhuangzi provides a spiritual space for the development of individuality in ancient China. It also provides an alternative understanding of individual as an existence.

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Acknowledgement

The author wishes to thank two anonymous peer reviewers for their comments and revision suggestions on an earlier version of this paper

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  1. Department of Chinese, College of Liberal Arts, Nanjing Normal University, 122 Ninghai Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210097, China

    Xu Keqian 徐克謙

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Keqian 徐克謙, X. A Different Type of Individualism in Zhuangzi . Dao 10, 445–462 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11712-011-9244-z

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