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Someone offered Chuang Tzu a court post. Chuang Tzu answered the messenger, 'Sir, have you ever seen a sacrificial ox? It is decked in fine garments and fed on fresh grass and beans. However, when it is led into the Great Temple, even though it most earnestly might wish to be a simple calf again, it's now impossible.'

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More quotes by Zhuangzi

He who knows what is of God and who knows what is of Man has reached indeed the height (of wisdom).

How do I know that the dead do not regret their previous longing for life?

From the Three Dynasties down to the present day it has been like this. The good and honest people are ignored, while spineless flatterers are advanced.

Away then with wisdom and knowledge, and great robbers will disappear!

Cherish that which is within you, and shut off that which is without; for much knowledge is a curse.

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Zhuangzi (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.