Mind Sparks #1 – The Butterfly Dream: Rediscovering Who We Are
- Shujian Zhang
- Apr 7
- 1 min read
Updated: 9 minutes ago
Inspired by: Zhuang Zhou’s Butterfly Dream
“Once Zhuang Zhou dreamed he was a butterfly... Suddenly he awoke, and there he was, unmistakably Zhou. But he did not know whether he was Zhou who had dreamt he was a butterfly, or a butterfly dreaming he was Zhou.”
The gentle strangeness of Zhuang Zhou's Butterfly Dream prompts us to consider identity beyond the boundaries of dream and reality. Who are we without titles, tasks, and expectations? What core remains? Workplace roles like employee, manager, and entrepreneur can be defined, but shouldn't be confined. There are chances to discover our true selves and align our careers with our values. Getting lost in someone else's routine is easy.
The story of Butterfly Dream is more than just a thinking story; it holds profound wisdom for living. It encourages us to look at ourselves, break free from what limits us, and find a middle ground between what is and what we wish for. In our careers and personal lives, it reminds us to keep our minds open, enjoy the present, and be true to ourselves. Doing this can help us deal with problems at work more clearly and unlock our full potential.
What part of your day feels like a dream you didn’t choose, and how would you change it if you woke up?
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