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If there is existence, there must be non-existence. And if there was a time when nothing existed, there must have been a time before that - when even nothing did not exist. Suddenly, when nothing came into existence, could one really say whether it belonged to the category of existence or non-existence?
Zhuangzi
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote explores the concepts of existence and non-existence, suggesting a paradox in understanding what it means for something to exist.

Zhuangzi's quote presents a profound philosophical reflection on the nature of existence and non-existence. He posits that if existence is defined by the presence of something, then logically, there must be non-existence to contrast with it. The inquiry extends to the state before anything existed, provoking thoughts about the nature of 'nothing' and questioning whether the arrival of existence can be categorized as such. This challenges our understanding of reality and the definitions we use to describe it.

Themes

ExistenceNon-ExistencePhilosophyRealityParadox

In practice

Example use cases

In a philosophical discussion about the nature of reality.

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