Another great article Jing Yu. While Huanglao Daoism adopted the DDJ as a political guide, it is also generally accepted that originally it was an apophatic text that was probably chanted by early proto-daoists.
I agree though, Laozi and Zhuangzi are too different kettles of fish. Although the linkage began with Sima Tan and Sima Qian; Zhuangzi although perhaps referencing the Laozi did not ever annotate or comment on it, showing, as you say, his independent thinking.
BTW I'm really enjoying your Wenyan Decoded. Any chance that you will compile them all at some stage?
I love your explanations and translations. Would it be possible to mention the lines or places of the quotes you are translating so I can look them up more easily for comparison.
Another great article Jing Yu. While Huanglao Daoism adopted the DDJ as a political guide, it is also generally accepted that originally it was an apophatic text that was probably chanted by early proto-daoists.
I agree though, Laozi and Zhuangzi are too different kettles of fish. Although the linkage began with Sima Tan and Sima Qian; Zhuangzi although perhaps referencing the Laozi did not ever annotate or comment on it, showing, as you say, his independent thinking.
BTW I'm really enjoying your Wenyan Decoded. Any chance that you will compile them all at some stage?
I love your explanations and translations. Would it be possible to mention the lines or places of the quotes you are translating so I can look them up more easily for comparison.
To say I learned a lot is the understatement of the year. What a 2026 it's been!