Laozi
According to legend who transcribed the Dao De Jing?
Yin Xi
Who is Cook Ding?
A cook with masterful skill in butchering oxen, demonstrating a depth of understanding beyond mere technique. Cook Ding's story highlights the pursuit of the "Way" (Dao) and the importance of aligning one's actions with the natural flow of things, rather than just focusing on acquiring skills.
What school of thought did Guanzi ascribe to?
No singular school his teachings are syncretic
Who is Hanfeizi directly critiquing and writing against?
Primarily the Confucians, but to a lesser extent the Daoists. While he also uses the Dao as a critical organizing principle, he believes strict punishments and rewards are the only way to control people and steer them towards a proper way of life.
When was the Sunzi written and by who?
Attributed to Sun Wu (544-496 BCE) however this probably doesn't quite make sense.
In reality probably written in the 300s BCE as a compellation of multiple military traditions.
How old was Laozi when he was born?
81
Who teaches about the four meditative forms according to the book of Zhuangzi?
Confucius
What are the five agents?
Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water
Who was the earliest adopter of Legalism?
Qin Shihuangdi the First Emperor of China
What is arguably the single most important core tenant of Sunzi's philosophy?
The direct conflict is to be avoided as much as possible!
What does the Dao De Jing literally translate to?
The Book of the Tao and Its Virtue
What is the point of Zhuangzi's Daoism?
Living out your natural life
What economic principle did Guanzi notably formulate? Explain what the principle is.
Quantity theory of money (QTM)
"If money is valued, goods will all be cheap, but if money is cheap, goods will all be expensive. If grain is expensive, gold will decrease in value; if grain is cheap, gold will increase in value. If the ruler is able to maintain a proper balance in the relative values of grain, coinage, and gold, the empire can be rendered stable. Such is the method for preserving the empire."
Who else was famously a proponent of Legalism?
Mao Zedong!
Which philosophic school does Sunzi draw on most directly?
Daoism! Although there is also reference to Mozi and Hanfeizi.
Who was Laozi, who were his students?
According to the tradition he was an archivist during the Zhou and Confucius' teacher. He probably never actually existed!
What are the four types of meditation in the Zhuangzi?
1. Fasting Mind
2. Sitting and Forgetting
3. Guarding Unity
4. Ecstatic Journeys: Far Roaming
What is the defining term for Guanzi? What determines the future of the state?
Nature/The Dao
What does Hanfeizi say about self cultivation and interpersonal relations?
Trick questions, almost nothing! His focus is almost solely on Social Order!
Despite being primarily Daoist in nature, how does the Sunzi relate to legalism?
Advocates for a "poker face" strategy amongst leaders, similar to Hanfeizi's notion of how one should lead!
Explain in detail Laozi's Utopia
Primitive Utopia, small villages where everyone has only what they need. Simple clothes, simple tools, no one leaves no one enters. Villages are close enough to hear each other's animals, but far enough to not see one another. Everyone is content with their lot in life.
“Once upon a time, I dreamt I was a butterfly, fluttering hither and thither, to all intents and purposes a butterfly. I was conscious only of my happiness as a butterfly, unaware that I was myself. Soon I awaked, and there I was, veritably myself again. Now I do not know whether I was then a man dreaming I was a butterfly, or whether I am now a butterfly, dreaming I am a man.”
Who am I?
A butterfly, Zhuangzi, Both, Neither?
What is "The Inner Work"?
It involves both Confucian and Daoist ideas of self cultivation, through an internal focus on refining and perfecting the self!
What is the purpose of punishment and reward in legalism?
Through brutal punishment and meritocratic rewards people will get closer to the Dao until finally they simply know how they SHOULD behave without needing these structures. It is why a ruler should keep their intentions hidden and allow people to perform according to their title!
What are the 5 fundamental factors of conflict according to Sunzi
The first is the Way
The second is Heaven/Nature
The third is Earth
The fourth is the leader
The fifth is the method