Hello,

I'm a first time user to this site, and admittedly a novice to all things philosophical & astronomical. I've just recently been turned on to the writings of Master Chaung, and already the consternation sets in. I understand that a great many things need to be taken into account when reading Zhuang Zi, such as cultural/temporal context, but I am unaware of ALL his subtle (or not so subtle) allusions.

Could someone please guide me along with an interpretation of "A Hat Salesman and A Capable Ruler?" I understand that complimentarity is often essential to his writings, so I am left to surmise that a comparison is being made between the hat salesman and the king, but exactly what the commentation is...I am unsure.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.