Debate of Preception
Chinese Calligraphy Painting

Debate of Preception vs. Rationality

This artwork is discounted because of a very minor wrinkle. The wrinkle can probably be removed when framing (especially if you dry mount this).

This calligraphy is the summary of a discussion that occurred on Hao Bride between the philosophers Zhuangzi (Zhuang Zhou) and Huishi. I do not have an exact date, but it was some time before 305 BC.

Some have titled this calligraphy passage as, "The Subjectivity of Happiness", others call it, "Debate of Preception vs. Rationality".

Chuang Tzu and Hui Tzu were strolling along the dam of the Hao River when Chuang Tzu said, "See how the minnows come out and dart around where they please! That's what fish really enjoy!"

Hui Tzu said, "You're not a fish - how do you know what fish enjoy?"

Chuang Tzu said, "You're not I, so how do you know I don't know what fish enjoy?"

Hui Tzu said, "I'm not you, so I certainly don't know what you know. On the other hand, you're certainly not a fish ‑ so that still proves you don't know what fish enjoy!"

Chuang Tzu said, "Let's go back to your original question, please. You asked me how I know what fish enjoy ‑ so you already knew I knew it when you asked the question. I know it by standing here beside the Hao".

Cited from Zhuangzi, 17, tr. Watson 1968:188-9

The calligrapher who wrote this is Shou Shi of Guilin, China.