--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Chuang-tzu: ‘‘The perfect man employs his…" description: "\"“Chuang-tzu: ‘‘The perfect man employs his mind as a mirror; it grasps nothing; it refuses nothing; it receives, but does not keep.”\" — Alan W. Watts" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fdc/alan-w-watts-9497_perfect-man_chuang-tzu-the-perfect-man-employs-his-m_1078183.jpg" --- # Chuang-tzu: ‘‘The perfect man employs his mind as a… ![“Chuang-tzu: ‘‘The perfect man employs his mind as a mirror; it grasps nothing; it refuses nothing; it receives, but does not keep.” quote by Alan W. Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fdc/alan-w-watts-9497_perfect-man_chuang-tzu-the-perfect-man-employs-his-m_1078183.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fdc/alan-w-watts-9497_perfect-man_chuang-tzu-the-perfect-man-employs-his-m_1078183.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fdc/alan-w-watts-9497_perfect-man_chuang-tzu-the-perfect-man-employs-his-m_1078183.jpg) > ““Chuang-tzu: ‘‘The perfect man employs his mind as a mirror; it grasps nothing; it refuses nothing; it receives, but does not keep.”” [Alan W. Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-w-watts/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The ideal mind reflects reality without grasping or rejecting, allowing experiences to pass freely. **In simple terms:** Mind should be like a mirror, reflecting without attachment. Key Takeaway Practice non-attachment and open awareness. Themes mindfulness philosophy spirituality Mood calm contemplative Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - meditation - conflict resolution - creative problem solving Key Concepts Taoism Zen non-attachment Questions to Reflect On - In what situations does a “mirror mind” hinder decisive action? - How can one balance openness with necessary judgment? A Different Perspective Maintaining a completely non-judgmental stance can be impractical in daily decisions. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Mirror](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mirror/) [Perfect man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/perfect-man/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) ## Related quotes > [The perfect man employs his mind as a mirror.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zhuangzi/the-perfect-man-employs-his-mind-as-a-mirror/) [Zhuangzi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zhuangzi/) > [The perfect man uses his mind as a mirror. It grasps nothing. It regrets nothing. 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