The Ethical Connotation In Zhuangzi's Fables

As we all know, "Dao" is the highest category of Daoism. Laozi focuses on the significance of "Dao" from the ontology. Zhuangzi discusses not only what Dao is, but also the use of it. He pursues individual's freedom of spirit and focuses on physical and mental cultivation. There are many ethical thoughts in his way of learning Dao. Therefore, the study of Zhuangzi has an important ethical value and significance for the history of Chinese Ethics.This paper interprets the ethical metaphors of Zhuangzi from three parts:Firstly, from philosophical point of view, we analyze the thought in Zhuangzi's fables about typical shapes of_technicians, disabled persons and large trees. Secondly, these fables, as the object of study, show the Dao of emptiness, integrity, inaction and correctly refract practical wisdom of Zhuangzi-personality-behavior, moral-form compatible and nature-human harmony. Finally, compared with Liezi, we can see that Zhuangzi's views about death, fate and the thought of emptiness, the importance of life is more unique and profound. Zhuangzi's "Dao" of life and the ethical thoughts in the process of practice reflect the superb artistic skills and provide foundations and conditions to understand the Zhuangzi's philosophical connotation. At the same time, they provide methods and paths for the construction of a harmonious society.