#17 The Wisdom of Non-conformity
On being authentic and transforming in solitude, even if it means going against the currents.
And truly it demands something godlike in him who has cast off the common motives of humanity, and has ventured to trust himself for a taskmaster. (Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self Reliance).
Chuang Tzu traveled to the State of Lu and met the Duke of Lu. Duke Ai told Chuang Tzu that his country had many Confucians, implying that Taoists like Chuang Tzu would be useless there.
Then, Chuang Tzu told Duke Ai that there were few Confucians in the Duke’s country.
Duke Ai pointed out that the whole state of Lu is dressed in Confucian garb, which is a clear sign that the country has many Confucians.
After hearing this, Chuang Tzu said,
“But a gentleman may embrace a doctrine without necessarily wearing the garb that goes with it, and he may wear the garb without necessarily comprehending the doctrine. If Your Grace does not believe this is so, then why not try issuing an order to the state proclaiming: ‘All those who wear the garb without practicing the doctrine that goes with it will be sentenced to death!’”1
After this public order, within five days, no one would dare wear the Confucian garb except one old man. So, the duke summoned him and discussed state affairs and governing with him. The Confucian scholar could easily respond to all of the Duke’s inquiries.
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