Liezi - Classic Text | Alexandria
Liezi by Yang Zhu: A philosophical enigma draped in the silk of ancient China. Attributed to the possibly mythical or composite figure Yang Zhu (also referred to as Yangzi or Yang Sheng), this work represents a radical strand of thought within early Chinese philosophy - a form of egoism and proto-hedonism viewed with both fascination and condemnation throughout history. Was Yang Zhu a real person, a convenient scapegoat, or a literary invention? The answer, like the mists shrouding the legendary figure himself, remains elusive.
Our earliest glimpses of Yang Zhu emerge not from his own hand (no independent writing survives), but primarily through the writings of his philosophical opponents. Mencius, writing in the 4th century BCE, famously denounced Yang Zhu, branding his philosophy as one of unrestrained selfishness; a threat to Confucian ideals of social harmony and moral obligation. The Huainanzi, a Han dynasty compilation, similarly references his doctrines. These early mentions paint a portrait of a controversial thinker who prioritized individual well-being above all else - a perspective starkly at odds with the prevailing ethical systems of the time. The intensity of the criticism hints at the potentially immense early influence of Yang Zhu's ideas, or the imagined threat they posed to established thought.
Over subsequent centuries, interpretations of Yang Zhu’s philosophy continued to evolve. The Liezi text which contains a chapter dedicated to the ideas of Yang Zhu was reinterpreted and redacted over time, leading to questions around the accuracy and reliability of the text. Later commentators attempted to reconcile his ideas with other schools of thought, such as Taoism, seeing in his rejection of societal constraints an affinity with the pursuit of naturalness and spontaneity. However, the core principle of prioritizing self-interest remained a contentious issue. Anecdotes, possibly apocryphal, circulated about Yang Zhu's supposed indifference to worldly concerns, solidifying his image as a radical individualist. Did Yang Zhu really advocate for a life of unbridled pleasure and dismiss notions of altruism and self-sacrifice? Or were his ideas unfairly demonized and misunderstood due to political and socio-cultural biases?
The legacy of Yang Zhu endures, not as a dominant school of thought, but as a provocative counterpoint to conventional morality. In modern times, his philosophy has been re-examined by those seeking alternative ethical frameworks. His emphasis on individual autonomy and the pursuit of personal fulfillment resonates with contemporary concerns about self-determination and the meaning of life. Is Yang Zhu’s egoism truly a path to societal collapse, or does it hold a kernel of wisdom about the importance of individual agency and the potential tyranny of enforced altruism? The debate continues, ensuring that the enigmatic figure of Yang Zhu remains a subject of unending fascination and critical inquiry.