Yang Zhu

Yang Zhu (/ˈjɑːŋ ˈdʒuː/; simplified Chinese: 杨朱; traditional Chinese: 楊朱; pinyin: Yáng Zhū; Wade–Giles: Yang Chu; 440–c.360 BC), also known as Yangzi (Master Yang), was a Chinese philosopher during the Warring States period. He lived a long time ago and had ideas that were different from many others at the time. Yang Zhu believed that it was important to take care of oneself, which was a new way of thinking back then.

Yang Zhu started his own school of thoughts called Yangism. His ideas can be found in old Chinese books like Huainanzi, Lüshi Chunqiu, and Mengzi. Some people also think he might have shared his thoughts in Liezi and Zhuangzi.

Even though Yang Zhu is not as well-known today, he was very important in his time. Another famous thinker named Mencius talked about Yang Zhu’s ideas a lot, saying they were powerful and widespread, like floods or wild animals that could change the land.

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Mencius's view of Yang Zhu

Mencius described Yang Zhu's idea as "Each for himself." He thought this idea did not respect kings or fathers, which could be harmful. Mencius said Yang Zhu would not even take a tiny bit of hair from his body to help the whole world. But Yang Zhu believed that hurting yourself to help others does not really help anyone else. He taught that if everyone minds their own business and does not take from or harm others, the world would be better. He thought people should be happy with what they have and not always try to help others if it means giving up their own comfort.

Philosophy of nature

Some people thought Yang Zhu only cared about feeling good and doing what he wanted. But he was actually an early teacher who believed in following nature to live a good life, especially in difficult times.

Philosophy of life

Yang Zhu focused on finding happiness by being true to yourself and feeling content. He thought life is short and full of worries, so people should enjoy what they have instead of always chasing more things or praise.

Philosophy of death

Yang Zhu believed that death is natural, just like life, and should not be feared. He thought funeral ceremonies do not help the person who has died. He said the most important thing is to live fully before death comes.