According to A Classic on An Insight into Nature, "A perfected man has a hollow inside, which allows them to integrate into the Great Dao and become part of Nature itself. They are omnipotent, omniscient, and omni-proficient."
The term "perfected man" had been used since the ancient time. Although the meaning might have changed slightly, the essence remained the same: badass!
In the Taoist community, the title signified a supreme state, whereas in the secular world, "perfected man" was often granted to great masters by the imperial court.
For instance, Yinzi, Wenzi, Liezi, Zhuangzi, Zhang Sanfeng, Wang Chongyang, and An Qisheng had all been granted the title "perfected man" once. Hence, Gu Yu felt abashed to be addressed as such at the very beginning of this letter—who was he to be raised to the same status as all those ancient sages?
