The idiom "go with the flow" comes from Zhuangzi Foreign Things: "Water is abundant to Ye Fang, so you don't go with the flow or argue with things." This is Zhuangzi, one of China's ancient Taoist philosophical works. Zhuangzi is the representative work of Zhuang Zhou, a philosopher in the Warring States Period. This paper expounds Zhuangzi's philosophical thoughts, including his profound views on nature, universe, life and politics.
In Zhuangzi Foreign Objects, Zhuangzi expresses his views through a series of fables. Among them, the idiom "go with the flow" is used to describe those who have no independent judgment and position, but blindly follow others or social trends.
The idiom "go with the flow" was later widely used to describe those who lack independent thinking ability, are easily influenced by others and do not adhere to their own principles. This idiom reminds people to keep a clear head and cultivate their own judgment when facing the opinions of society and others, and not blindly follow the trend.