This commentary on Zhuangzi ‑ Renjianshi explores survival amid chaos and power. It explains key ideas: Fasting of the Mind, outward compliance, and the paradox that “uselessness brings great utility” to preserve inner integrity.
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”.
Lu Tong, the Madman of Chu, feigned madness to evade officialdom. He sang to dissuade Confucius from political pursuit, preaching the Daoist “utility of the useless”. Rejecting royal recruitment, he and his wife secluded themselves on Mount Emei.