Commentary on the Zhuangzi - Classic Text | Alexandria
Commentary on the Zhuangzi by Wang Fuzhi (1619-1692) stands as one of the most penetrating philosophical commentaries on the Daoist classic Zhuangzi, offering a unique synthesis of Neo-Confucian rationalism and Daoist naturalism during China's tumultuous Ming-Qing transition. This masterwork, known in Chinese as Zhuangzi Jie (莊子解), represents Wang's mature philosophical thought and his distinctive interpretation of classical Chinese philosophy.
The commentary emerged during a period of profound political and intellectual upheaval in Chinese history, as the Ming dynasty fell to the Manchu Qing conquest. Wang Fuzhi, a Ming loyalist who refused to serve the new dynasty, retreated to the mountains where he devoted himself to scholarly pursuits. It was in this context of political displacement and philosophical reflection that he composed his commentary, completing it around 1664.
Wang's interpretation of the Zhuangzi is particularly noteworthy for its departure from traditional readings. While earlier commentators often emphasized the text's mystical and transcendental aspects, Wang offered a more naturalistic reading that emphasized the unity of heaven and human nature. He skillfully integrated elements of Song-Ming Neo-Confucianism with Daoist concepts, creating a sophisticated philosophical synthesis that challenged contemporary interpretations. His commentary particularly focused on the concept of qi (vital force) and its relationship to human nature and cosmic order.
The influence of Wang's commentary, though initially limited due to his political isolation, grew significantly in the late Qing and modern periods. Modern scholars have recognized it as a pioneering work that anticipates contemporary philosophical concerns about naturalism and human agency. Its relevance extends beyond traditional Chinese philosophy, offering insights into questions of political resistance, intellectual independence, and the relationship between human society and natural order. The commentary continues to intrigue scholars today, raising questions about how traditional Chinese philosophical concepts might illuminate modern environmental and political challenges. What might Wang's synthesis of Confucian rationalism and Daoist naturalism offer to contemporary debates about human nature and our relationship with the natural world?