Burton Watson Quotes

• The government of the enlightened king? His achievements blanket the world but appear not to be his own doing. His transforming influence touches the ten thousand things but the people do not depend on him. With him there is no promotion or praise - he lets everything find its own enjoyment. He takes his stand on what cannot be fathomed and wanders where there is nothing at all.

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  Burton Watson

  Kings   Government   People  

  Burton Watson (2003). “Zhuangzi: Basic Writings”, p.92, Columbia University Press

  4120

• Just go along with things and let your mind move freely. Resign yourself to what cannot be avoided and nourish what is within you - this is best. What more do you have to do to fulfill your mission? Nothing is as good as following orders (obeying fate) - that's how difficult it is!

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  Burton Watson

  Moving   Fate   Order  

  Burton Watson (2003). “Zhuangzi: Basic Writings”, p.57, Columbia University Press

  1571

• The singular man is singular in comparison to other men, but a companion of Heaven. So it is said, the petty man of Heaven is a gentleman among men; the gentleman among men is the petty man of Heaven.

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  Burton Watson

  Men   Heaven   Gentleman  

  Zhuangzi, Burton Watson, Columbia College (Columbia University) (1968). “The Complete Works of Chuang Tzu”, p.87, Columbia University Press

  686

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