If we apply the story of Cook Ding to modern life, we can become like him, equipping our souls with an eternally sharp blade. Facing the complex life trajectories in this vast world—much like facing a whole ox—we can always discern the gaps and navigate them precisely, without the need to hack at bones or carry heavy burdens. In this way, we need not adopt a tragic posture amidst daily sighs, which would diminish the value of our lives; instead, we gain life efficiency.
Hu Wenying once said of Zhuangzi: "Zhuangzi's eyes were extremely cold, yet his heart was extremely warm. His eyes were cold, so he remained indifferent to right and wrong; his heart was warm, so he was filled with endless emotions. Though he knew it was useless, he could not forget his feelings, held back by his warm heart; though he could not forget his feelings, he ultimately did not act, having seen through everything with his cold eyes."
Zhuangzi was in a predicament during his era. He clearly recognized the darkness of society but was powerless to change it. He was as cold and sharp as a snake, yet as compassionate and loving as a dove. Facing worldly temptations, he would rather "drag his tail in the mud." This kind of pride and eccentricity, tinged with blood and tears, made him like a tree destined to stand alone, guarding under the lonely moonlight. As Bao Pengshan evaluated: "Zhuangzi seems strong because of his apparent lack of emotion, but in reality, he is weak because of his profound compassion."