Quotation by

Zhuangzi

Those who seek to satisfy the mind of man by hampering it with ceremonies and music and affecting charity and devotion have lost their original nature.

Zhuangzi

Music

Understanding this quote AI Analysis

Zhuangzi is saying that when people try to control or please the human mind by using rituals, music, or forced acts of kindness and devotion, they stray from their true, natural self. This suggests that genuine nature is free and spontaneous, not shaped or limited by artificial customs or performances.

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