On Zhuangzi's Political Ideology

As an important figure in the School of Taoism in the Pre-Qin period, Zhuangzi's political ideology has played a very important part in China's political and ideological history. But there hasn't been much academic research into Zhuangzi's political ideology. So this paper attempts to make a systematical expatiation on this thesis. This paper holds the opinion that Zhuangzi develops his political thinking through his universe ontology and human nature theory. According to Zhuangzi, people are born with a nature that is self- sufficient. The spontaneous behavior given by the nature enables people to respond directly to reality as it truly is. The ideal state of human society lies in the preservation of that inherent nature, and the implementation of political inaction maintains the spontaneous nature and protects human rights to freedom. Thus, Zhuangzi lays the theoretical foundation for his political ideas, and sets the ultimate target for its political ideology. Through a profound criticism of political action, deliberate benevolence, wisdom, and desire, Zhuangzi reveals the distortions of human nature due to gross intervention of realistic politics as well as the sharp contradictions between state and person, or politics and freedom. Then Zhuangzi put forward his political ideas and the ideal social mode -- non-governing and non-intervention rule, or"World of Supreme Spontaneity"and"Spontaneity–constructing World". From the standpoint of naturalism, Zhuangzi makes a drastic criticism to the politics in the realistic society as well as the whole human civilization. He welcomes a return to the original and natural state, which is the essential characteristic of Zhuangzi's ideal society mode. Zhuangzi's political ideology has had a far-reaching impact on China's political direction and development. It reveals a number of contradictions and problems in the political realities. Through his unique political vision he puts forward his own political views, which is of great modern value and significance. So the point is through what question and salvation angle shall we display the modern value and significance of Zhuangzi's political thought.