This excerpt from Zhuangzi‑Xiaoyaoyou uses Kun‑Peng and fable cases. It contrasts small‑great perspectives, explores spiritual freedom and “uselessness”, and advocates the ideal of the Perfect Person transcending worldly dependencies.
Mencius uses ripe grain as a metaphor: though grain seeds are superior, unripe grains are worse than weeds. Humans all possess innate benevolence, yet only consistent cultivation to fully mature one’s virtue yields genuine benevolence.
Zilu meets a farming hermit who mocks scholars for avoiding labor yet treats Zilu politely. When Zilu returns, the hermit has left. Zilu argues seclusion abandons ruler-minister ethics; gentlemen serve to uphold righteousness even knowing their ideals will fail.