Zhuangzi describes the Stranger

[KeepYourMindLimber]

Zhuangzi (pronounced Chwongdzuh) was a very well known Taoist of ancient times. In one of his writings he begs us to become more "transcendant," and he describes what he thinks is a "transcendant man."

"These men of old acted without calculation. They laid no plans. So failing, they had no cause for regret, and succeeding, no cause for congratulations. Thus they could scale heights without fear, enter water without becoming wet, and fire without burning. Their breathing came deep and silently."
-Zhuangzi
From The Story of Oriental Philosophy by L. Adams Beck

If this doesn't describe the Stranger, or any cowboy for that matter, i don't know what does.

Thanks for reading,
KeepYourMindLimber

[RighteousDude]

If this doesn't describe the Stranger, or any cowboy for that matter, i don't know what does.

I dunno, man. Lots of cowboys around here -- not city people dressing up but real horse riding, cow herding, steer castrating cowboys -- and they get wet when it rains or when they end up in the river. I never tried lighting one on fire, though, so I can't speak to their flammability. I like 'em fine and have never had any trouble out of even one of 'em, but if I ever do I'll try lighting him on fire and report back.

I kinda like that idea of not planning much, though. I've been doing it that way most of my life and haven't run into any more significant trouble than that run into by those who plan every second of their lives. Thanks for sharing the quote!

[KeepYourMindLimber]

 
I think all of the water/fire stuff was meant as hyperbole to show the seemed imperviousness of these legendary men.
LOL, that gave me a laugh, though.

[RighteousDude]

LOL, that gave me a laugh, though.

I have succeeded in what I set out to do.