Authors

Chuang Tzu

Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzu) was an influential ancient Chinese Daoist philosopher traditionally dated to the 4th century BCE and associated with the text Zhuangzi. Historical details are limited, but his writings emphasize spontaneity, the relativity of values, and equanimity in the face of adversity, reflected in the quoted advice to keep an even mind.

Quotes: 3

Quotes by Chuang Tzu

Happiness is the absence of the striving for happiness. — Chuang Tzu

Finding Happiness by Letting Happiness Go

Chuang Tzu’s line begins with a paradox: the more we chase happiness as an object to capture, the more it recedes. In other words, striving turns joy into a future prize, which quietly trains the mind to feel that the pr...

Created on: 2/5/2026

Only in still water can we see our own reflection — Chuang Tzu

Stillness as the Mirror of Self

Chuang Tzu’s line begins with a simple physical observation: when water is stirred, the surface breaks into fragments and our image scatters. Yet when the water becomes still, a clear reflection returns.

Created on: 1/22/2026

In adversity, remember to keep an even mind. — Chuang Tzu

Cultivating Balance Amid Life’s Adversities: Lessons from Chuang Tzu

Chuang Tzu, a foundational figure in Daoist thought, urges maintaining an even mind during hardship. This core teaching reflects the Daoist emphasis on embracing change and accepting the unpredictable ebb and flow of exi...

Created on: 7/10/2025