"We cling to our own point of view, as though everything depended on it. Yet our opinions have no permanence; like autumn and winter, they gradually pass away"

Human nature often gravitates toward certainty, prompting individuals to hold tightly to their perspectives as if their viewpoints are essential for stability and identity. The act of clinging to one's own point of view reflects a psychological and emotional need for grounding, suggesting that people place a significant weight on their personal beliefs, sometimes at the cost of openness and flexibility. This attachment can stem from a desire for validation or the security that comes with feeling ‘right,’ reinforcing an individual’s sense of self.

Despite the fervor with which we defend our opinions, Zhuangzi reminds us of their impermanence. The analogy to the seasons, autumn and winter, emphasizes the cyclical, ever-changing quality of thoughts and beliefs. Just as the seasons inevitably shift, so too do our perspectives evolve or fade with time, experience, and increased understanding. The beauty and subtlety of this comparison lie in its recognition of both the naturalness and inevitability of change. Opinions formed under particular circumstances or emotional states may seem definitive, yet as life unfolds and new knowledge arises, those very convictions may lose their relevance or transform altogether.

This perspective advocates for humility, encouraging a gentle, non-dogmatic approach to our own viewpoints and those of others. Recognizing the transient nature of opinion opens the door to dialogue, growth, and empathy. Instead of fixating on being ‘right,’ one learns to accept the dynamic, fluid state of understanding, fostering an atmosphere where learning and adaptation are valued over rigid adherence.

Ultimately, by acknowledging that our convictions “gradually pass away,” freedom emerges, the freedom to change, to listen, and to perceive the world and oneself with candid curiosity. It is an invitation to embrace life’s impermanence, surrendering the illusion of unchanging certainty for the richness found in openness and transformation.