This Zhuangzi ‑ Dechongfu excerpt presents fables of deformed figures. It prioritizes inner complete virtue over physical form or social status, and ends with Zhuangzi’s debate with Huizi over “having no human emotions”.
This original‑text excerpt from Zhuangzi ‑ Renjianshi features multiple fables. It explores perilous worldly‑political engagement, introduces “Mind‑Fasting”, and illustrates survival wisdom of “the usefulness of uselessness”.
Mencius stresses reverence in social exchanges and accepts ritual-compliant gifts, yet rejects stolen loot from murderers. He distinguishes criminal robbers from exploitative lords, explaining Confucius took office for three pragmatic reasons to gradually promote the Dao before departing.
Han Feizi uses Mi Zixia’s story: rulers’ favor shifts arbitrarily. Avoid their “forbidden scale” to survive persuasion.
Han Feizi tells Duke Ping’s tale: obsessed with decadent music, he ignored warnings, bringing drought and ruin.
Shi Kuang was a renowned court musician of the Jin state during the Spring and Autumn period (approximately 770–476 BCE). His courtesy name was Ziye. Although blind, he was exceptionally skilled at playing the qin (a seven-stringed zither) and possessed extraordinarily acute hearing, enabling him to discern and judge musical pitches with remarkable precision.
Duke Ling of Wei asked Confucius about military formations. Confucius replied, “I have heard about matters of ritual vessels and sacrifices; as for military affairs, I have never studied them.” The next day, he left Wei.