Abstract

This brief essay aims to interpret the fourth chapter “In the Human World” of Zhuangzi by analyzing the seven fables in philosophical terms. The seven fables can be divided into two groups: the first three are concerned with how to be useful ( youyong zhi yong 有用之用); the following four with “the use of the useless” ( wuyong zhi yong 无用之用). From those two groups of fables, two different ways of life are identified in relation to the world. Zhuangzi’s choice between them can be revealed in light of his art of speaking.