寓言十九
Nine Parts in Ten Are Imputed
寓言十九，重言十七，卮言日出，和以天倪。
Nine parts in ten are imputed words. Seven parts in ten are weighty words from venerable figures. The goblet words emerge day after day, harmonized by the balance of Heaven.
Notes
This chapter provides Zhuangzi's own theory of his literary method. 'Imputed words' (寓言) are words put in the mouths of fictional characters to give them authority. 'Weighty words' (重言) are quotations attributed to respected ancients. 'Goblet words' (卮言) are spontaneous, constantly changing words that adapt to every situation like a goblet that tips and rights itself. Together they describe Zhuangzi's unique literary strategy: rather than arguing directly, he creates dramatic scenes and imagined dialogues that make their points indirectly.