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jaytongue's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
5.0
This is not a translation, as Merton himself admits that he knows very little Chinese, let alone would be able to translate classical poetry. However, this study of the Zhuang Zi is a masterpiece. It taps into something as transcendent as Burton Watson's translation, while also making it as accessible as Benjamin Hoff. A remarkable bridge between Merton's monasticism and mysticism and the Zhuang Zhi.
fastballbc's review against another edition
5.0
Nice quick Tao action from an interesting perspective
the_zach_who_reads's review against another edition
4.0
Being Tzu’s words and Merton’s interpretation, this work is inherently syncretic of catholic and taoist principles. This mainly works to the advantage of the ollll Western reader as this is an uber consumable piece that leads the journeyperson through meditations that a damn occidental may not experience otherwise. Supremely enriching, spiritually thought provoking, this book says nothing and everything.
clayton_sanborn's review against another edition
5.0
By far the funniest work of philosophy I've read in my life
Zhuangzi joins the likes of Diogenes of Sinope as ascetics who are, unfortunately, based as fuck
Zhuangzi joins the likes of Diogenes of Sinope as ascetics who are, unfortunately, based as fuck
cubehead27's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
4.0
mattshervheim's review against another edition
3.75
I couldn't begin to guess how faithful Merton's "readings" of Chuang Tzu are to Chuang Tzu. (And they are readings, poetic interpretations by Merton, rather than translations.) Merton's suggestion in the introduction that Chuang Tzu wasn't an antinomian left me wondering if Merton might not be reading a bit too much western thought in Chuang Tzu.
Even having acknowledged that, though, there was a lot to appreciate and ponder in this little book, and I'd recommend it. I'm glad I own it; I imagine it's one I'll want to revisit.
The section titled "Cracking the Safe" offers an novel way to explain evangelical support for Donald Trump, with a lot of explanatory power in a very simple metaphor.
Even having acknowledged that, though, there was a lot to appreciate and ponder in this little book, and I'd recommend it. I'm glad I own it; I imagine it's one I'll want to revisit.
The section titled "Cracking the Safe" offers an novel way to explain evangelical support for Donald Trump, with a lot of explanatory power in a very simple metaphor.
akemi_666's review against another edition
4.0
Anti-authoritarianism wise enough to know the ego as the last bastion of authority.