Angela Shen

The second of Zhuangzi’s Inner Chapters, the Qi Wu Lun contains a profound understanding of the self, reflecting Zhuangzi’s unique value theory. In the relationship between objects and the self, the real self as a union of body and mind differs from other people and other objects. Each existence can establish a value system based on itself, and there is no uniquely correct standard of value. However, this may lead to contradictions between body and mind of the realistic self, morality and individual interests, preferences, which are resolved at the ontological level. In the relationship between humans and heaven, the ontological self is the origin of existences and values in the realistic world, and thus can transcend all value conflicts, while affirming the values of many realistic existences. The Zhuangzi was created during the period of the Hundred Schools of Thought, attempting to reconcile conflicts between dIfferent value theories and embodying pluralism in values. In today’s globalized world, there are also contradictions among different cultural traditions. Therefore, the self and value theories in Qi Wu Lun are worth learning from.