Around 300 BC, the Daoist philosopher Zhuangzi composed the 'Zhuangzi', a foundational text that explores themes of relativism, spontaneity, and the nature of reality. This work emphasizes the idea that conventional distinctions between right and wrong, and useful and useless, are often arbitrary. Zhuangzi's philosophy has had a lasting impact on Chinese thought and continues to be studied for its insights into human existence and the natural world.

Zhuangzi's 'Zhuangzi' introduced a playful skepticism that deeply influenced Chinese nature poetry, emphasizing the beauty of spontaneity and the fluidity of existence. His philosophical approach inspired poets to embrace the Daoist aesthetic, celebrating the harmony between humanity and the natural world.