Chuang Tsu was a Chinese philosopher of the late 4th century BCE (if he existed at all; some scholars have doubts) who considered himself a student of the ancient philosopher and enunciator of the Tao, Lao Tsu. Little is known of the life of Chuang Tsu. He is said to have been a minor official in Meng, but he was an admirable and lively writer and is credited with producing the influential book of philosophy which bears his name. No doubt in keeping with the philosophy of the Tao, the all-pervading, ungraspable Way, he avoided being used by the rich and powerful for their own ends, as the following anecdote shows.

King Wei of Chu, having heard of the ability of Chuang Tsu, sent messengers with large gifts to bring him to his court, and promising also that he would make him his chief minister. Chuang Tsu, however, only laughed and said to them, “A thousand ounces of silver are a great gain to me; and to be a high noble and minister is a most honorable position. But have you not seen the victim-ox for the border sacrifice? It is carefully fed for several years, and robed with rich embroidery that it may be fit to enter the Grand Temple. When the time comes for it to do so, it would prefer to be a little pig, but it can not get to be so. Go away quickly, and do not soil me with your presence. I would rather amuse and enjoy myself in the midst of a filthy ditch than be subject to the rules and restrictions in the court of a sovereign. I have determined never to take office, but prefer the enjoyment of my own free will.”