Daoism, Novelty, and Usefulness: A Philosophical Exploration of Creativity

Abstract

This paper elucidates a Daoist perspective of creativity by focusing on novelty and usefulness. Drawing on the thought of Zhuangzi, it is noted that he advocates original and unorthodox views by challenging social norms and traditional practices. He also questions the prevailing notions and assumptions concerning the usefulness and uselessness of things and people. To liberate humans from conventional commitment and judgment, Zhuangzi recommends two Daoist concepts. The first is “fasting of the heart-mind” (xin zhai) where a person empties oneself of preconceived ideas and practices. The second Daoist notion is “wandering” (you) where one responds to people, things, and situations in an open-minded, appreciative, playful, and spontaneous manner. There are three major implications arising from a Zhuangzian conception of creativity: it contributes to an existing literature gap on the philosophy of creativity, extends the research on Eastern formulations of creativity that hitherto have centered on Confucianism, and challenges and re-constructs the prevalent understandings and presuppositions concerning creativity and related terms.