Biography of Chuang Tzu

Chuang Tzu was an influential Chinese philosopher who lived sometime during the 4th century BCE during the Warring States Period which corresponds to the Hundred Schools of Thought, a philosophical summit of Chinese thought. His name is sometimes spelled Chuang Tsu, Chuang Tzu, Zhuang Tze, Chouang-Dsi, or Chuang Tse.

Chuang Tzu allegedly lived during the reign of King Hui of Liang and King Xuan of Qi, from 370 to 301 BCE. Chuang Tzu was from the Town of Meng in the State of Song (now Mengcheng, Anhui). His given name was Zhou. He was also known as Meng Official, Meng Zhuang, and Meng Elder (Méng Lì; Méng Zhuang, Méng sou, respectively).

His existance is sometimes questioned as his writings are thought to have been from Kuo Hsiang. However, evidence suggests otherwise. A biography of Chuang Tzu existed centuries before Kuo Hsiang. As well, the Han Shu lists texts written by Chuang Tzu which were written before 1st century AD, which predates Kuo Hsiang by centuries.

Also check out Chuang Tzu quotes