Zhuangzi’s butterfly

Zhuangzi (late 4th century BC) was one of China’s most significant proponents of Daoism. Daoism is an ancient philosophy that strives for harmony with nature, virtuousness and self-development. Zhuangzi’s story of the dreaming philosopher and the butterfly is meant to challenge us to think about one big question: how do we really know what’s real?

By adapting famous animal parables, the Pocket Philosophy series seeks to introduce inquisitive readers of all ages – from 1 to 100! – to the biggest names in philosophy.