Would Zhuangzi, Living Today, Be One of the "Sanhe Gods"?

In 2018, a documentary filmed by Japan's NHK television introduced the world to a unique group of workers. The most notable characteristic of these young individuals was their preference for daily-wage jobs, adopting a lifestyle of "work for a day, play for three days." Due to their primary activities being centered around the Sanhe Talent Market in Shenzhen, they were humorously dubbed by the public as the "Sanhe Gods." Today, with urban redevelopment and the government's regulation of urban villages, the original talent market has relocated. However, the lifestyle of the Sanhe youth continues.

During the interview, one could sense the confusion and helplessness of these young individuals. Some would ask during the interview, "How do you manage to live well? How can one find meaning in life?" Others have considered relocating. One young man contemplated leaving Longhua Bus Station to try living somewhere else. He listed several places, all of which he found online as popular gathering spots for workers, such as Zhonghua Park in Kunshan, Chedun Town in Shanghai, and Majuqiao in Beijing. He asked a worker who had been to these places which one was better. After a brief pause, the worker replied, "If you're short on money, Longhua in Shenzhen is still the better option."

The term "Sanhe Gods" originally referred to the young individuals wandering around the Shenzhen Sanhe area. They began with dreams of making money, but the harsh realities of life crushed them. They eventually gave up, resisting monotonous assembly line jobs and instead chose to live frugally around Sanhe, taking on occasional short-term jobs. When they had a bit of money, they would continue their laid-back lifestyle.

Zhuangzi, a representative figure of Taoism, is sometimes compared to these "Sanhe Gods" when imagining him in modern times. My answer: The two are incomparable.

1. Difference in Choice:

The "Sanhe Gods" made a passive choice. Their initial dream was to make money, but reality shattered this dream. Zhuangzi, on the other hand, actively chose his way of life. If Zhuangzi wanted wealth, it would have been easy for him. All he needed to do was to accept the king of Chu's offer. However, Zhuangzi believed that such wealth was like a turtle shell displayed on an altar, not as valuable as a living turtle in the mud.

2. Difference in Mindset:

The "Sanhe Gods" actively chose to give up under the pressures of reality, using this lifestyle to numb their minds. Their inner world is filled with anxiety and uncertainty. Zhuangzi, however, actively pursued a sense of freedom and unity with the universe.

3. Difference in Capability:

From a competitive standpoint, the "Sanhe Gods" are relatively weak, which is why they find themselves in their current state. Zhuangzi was different. He was well-known and came from a prominent lineage. If he had been ambitious, he wouldn't have been impoverished.

4. Social Relations:

The social relations of the "Sanhe Gods" can't compare to Zhuangzi's. Zhuangzi had friends like Hui Shi, who once served as the prime minister of the Wei state. Would the "Sanhe Gods" be in their current state if they had such connections?

5. Different Realms:

Zhuangzi understood the Tao, while the "Sanhe Gods" are ordinary people trapped in reality. Zhuangzi could comprehend life and death and the universe, while the "Sanhe Gods" chose to give up when they felt powerless. The "Sanhe Gods" are trapped by money, but Zhuangzi isn't.

True detachment comes from personal choice, not environmental influence. While Zhuangzi and the "Sanhe Gods" may seem similar externally, they are fundamentally different. Zhuangzi's level of detachment is something few have achieved over thousands of years, while becoming a "Sanhe God" is relatively easy. It's hoped that the phenomenon of the "Sanhe Gods" diminishes over time.