The Analysis On Chuang-tzu’s Concept Of Freedom

As the representative of Taoism who enjoys equal popularity with Lao-Tzu, Chuang-Tzu’s free thought has left a deep impression on us. His view of freedom mainly discusses how to realize inner spirit freedom and external behavior freedom of human beings, as well as the establishment of free society order. Essentially speaking, “humanism” sprit is the fundamental kernel of Chuang-Tzu’s view of freedom, which emphasizes on human subjectivity and awakening of human self-awareness. It advocates self-knowledge, self-conscious and self-awakening.Subjectivity of “humanism” confronts with objectivity of “obeying heaven’s will by suppressing people’s will”. It pursues absolute freedom of “non-restraint” and “liberate nature”.Specific Theories of Chuang-Tzu’s theory is illustration on freedom. We can learn about the development and formation of his view of freedom by investigating social background of his life and cultural background of his time. Further more, the specific connotations and realistic meanings of view of freedom can be understood. And what is more, how can his freedom view reflect on spirit? How to pursue spirit freedom? And how to put it into practice when it comes to people’s external activities? What does the ideal society look like of Chuang-Tzu’s political freedom? We can know from above comparison and analysis that his freedom is people oriented freedom. He proposed aloof nature idea to get rid of the constraints from external factors both physically and mentally. His idea still has a profound impact towards us right now, reminding us of not pursuing excessive fame and fortune in case of being tied by reality.The core idea on people from Chuang-Tzu is the significance of individual life in universe. Heaven is nature, and people are nature, too. Any sensibility and emotion of people are the constraints of freedom, including undeserved reputation, achievements, life and death. They are all external encumbrances. We can only reach absolute freedom level by transcending any profane things and even ourselves. And we can feel the authentic meaning of survival by feeling the freedom and easiness of the existence of individual life.