Zhuang Zhou (c. 369–286 BCE), commonly known as Zhuang Zi, was a foundational Daoist philosopher from the Warring States period. He is traditionally credited with authoring at least part of the text that bears his name, the *Zhuangzi*, which is celebrated for its literary brilliance and profound philosophical insights. His life is shrouded in legend, with anecdotes depicting him as a minor official who valued personal freedom and spiritual spontaneity over worldly prestige.