The Nietzsche Podcast

Today we're considering Ge Ling Shang's book, Liberation as Affirmation, comparing Zhuangzi and Nietzsche. Shang sees both thinkers as putting forward a "religiosity" of life-affirmation. Major points of comparison: use of language (goblet words/zhiyan & Dionysian dithyramb), whether one can relativize all views or should affirm illusion, how to respond to morality (revaluation v/s devaluation), using a single principle to describe multiplicity (ziran/dao & will to power), and the competing views of the superior person (sage v/s ubermensch) and the methods for reaching such a state.

Exploring the indeterminate nature of truth in the Zhuangzi, the usefulness of uselessness, the foolishness of seeking office, and the advantages of xiaoyaoyou. Mixing translations from Watson, Palmer, Giles & informed by readings/commentary from Ziporyn, Ge Ling Shang & Wing Tsit Chan. For a general introduction to Spring and Autumn period Chinese philosophy, see the previous regular episode, #127.

I still live, I still think. I still have to live, for I still have to think. Sum ergo cogito, cogito ergo sum. Updates on the future of the podcast and plans for the New Year. Brief reflections on the past. Official announcement for my course at Acid Horizon Research Commons. Sign up here: https://www.acidhorizonpodcast.com/2026-classes/p/nietzsches-experiment-with-truth

CONTRIBUTORS:Andrei Georgescu (Artexius)Website: https://andreigeorgescu.ca/WeltgeistCraig (Acid Horizon/Lepht Hand)Website: https://www.acidhorizonpodcast.com SIGN UP FOR MY CLASS ON NIETZSCHE (Limited Seating): https://www.acidhorizonpodcast.com/2026-classes/p/nietzsches-experiment-with-truthKarl NordNeil (Gnostic Informant)PF Jung Tony (1Dime)VivienneMynaa Miesnowan

Introducing "dao" as a concept in Chinese philosophy. We'll explore the the social & historical context of the Spring and Autumn period. We'll follow A.C. Graham's assertion that the basic question of Chinese philosophy is "where is the way?", and consider the answers given by Confucius, Laozi, Mencius & XunziSources: Wing Tsit Chan - A Sourcebook in Chinese PhilosophyA.C. Graham - Disputers of the TaoRobin Wang - Yin Yang: The Way of Heaven and Earth in Chinese Thought and CultureGe Ling Shang - Liberation as Affirmation: The Religiosity of Zhuangzi and NietzscheHolmes Welch - Taoism: The Parting of the Way