Is Anything Truly Real?

The Perils of Feasting on the Fake

Ersatz! 

It’s a word that sounds like something crunchy and slightly off-putting, like a stale cracker masquerading as a gourmet appetizer. 

In its essence, "ersatz" means a substitution, something that is not real or genuine. It’s a word dripping with irony, often implying that what’s being presented is a cheap imitation of the authentic. 

From an Eastern philosophical perspective, though, this word "ersatz" invites us to explore a deeper, more nuanced question, namely…

…….What is real, and what is a mere illusion in our lives?

The I Ching, that ancient Chinese oracle of wisdom, might have quite a bit to say about "ersatz." It would caution us about being deceived by appearances and encourage us to look beyond the surface. 

It would likely direct us to Hexagram 64, "Before Completion," where things seem one way but are actually another. We are in a world where many things appear genuine, but a closer look reveals the imitation—an ersatz version of what we seek.

 It’s a reminder that not everything that glitters is gold; sometimes it’s just a shiny facade, and it’s up to us to discern the real from the fake.

Imagine a dinner conversation on this theme with three unlikely companions: Zhuangzi, the whimsical Taoist thinker  known for his paradoxical tales; Mozi, the ancient Chinese philosopher advocating for universal love and utilitarian ethics; and the late, great culinary bad boy, Anthony Bourdain. 

Gathered around a table of mismatched chairs and a few too many glasses of wine, the conversation about "ersatz" flows like a river winding through a rocky gorge.

A Hypothetical Conversation: Zhuangzi, Mozi, and Anthony Bourdain

Zhuangzi: (Leaning back, his eyes twinkling with mischief) 

"Ersatz... a word that dances between being and non-being. I once dreamt I was a butterfly, and when I woke, I could not tell if I was Zhuangzi who had dreamt of being a butterfly or a butterfly dreaming of being Zhuangzi. Is there such a thing as 'ersatz,' or is it merely a creation of our mind’s desire to separate what is from what is not?"

Mozi: (Chomping on a piece of tofu with uncharacteristic enthusiasm) 

"Your dreams are entertaining, Zhuangzi, but in the real world, where people suffer, there is value in understanding what is genuine and what is not. An ersatz leader, for example, brings no benefit to the people. What use is a façade of compassion? If it does not lead to tangible good, it is worthless. We must discern the real from the ersatz for the betterment of all."

Anthony Bourdain: (Sipping his wine, half-smiling)

“I’ve traveled the world eating food that claims to be the real deal and food that doesn’t even bother trying. Street food, fine dining—some of it’s authentic, some of it’s ersatz. But here’s the thing: even the ersatz stuff tells you something real about the people who made it. It’s not always about what’s ‘authentic.’ It’s about the stories, the connections, and the weird beauty in whatever’s put in front of you. Ersatz might be fake, but damn if it doesn’t show you what’s underneath."

Zhuangzi: (Chuckling)

“Ah, Tony, you see it too, don’t you? This whole world is a game of shadows, a dance of reflections. The ersatz is as much a part of the Tao as the ‘real.’ Who is to say which is which? A counterfeit coin can buy as much bread as a genuine one until it is tested. But perhaps the bread doesn’t care."

Mozi: (Nodding slowly, conceding a point) 

"Maybe the bread doesn’t care, but the people who eat it do. If we all embraced the ersatz without question, we’d live in a world of delusion, with no way to tell right from wrong, good from evil. Our task is to seek what is beneficial, to bring clarity amidst the shadows."

Bourdain: (Lifting his glass)

“Well, here’s to the ersatz then—may it be as telling as the real thing. Because in the end, whether you’re eating street tacos in Mexico or some plasticized version in a chain restaurant in the middle of nowhere, the ersatz has its own story. It’s about people trying to make something out of what they have. And sometimes, that’s more real than the ‘real’ thing."

I Ching Insights On Ersatz as a Lived Experience

The I Ching provides guidance for navigating through the ersatz encounters of life, those moments when we confront things—or people—that are not what they seem:

Hexagram 64: Before Completion (Wei Chi): We are always on the verge of something, not quite where we want to be. Beware of thinking you’ve reached the end when you’re still in the middle. In this state, it’s easy to mistake the ersatz for the genuine. The key is to stay aware and keep discerning.

Hexagram 23: Splitting Apart (Po):  This hexagram advises caution when things start to fall apart. Sometimes what appears real begins to disintegrate, revealing its ersatz nature. Do not cling to what is falling away; let go of the imitation to make room for the authentic.

Hexagram 44: Coming to Meet (Gou):  This hexagram warns of being charmed by what is seemingly attractive but ultimately harmful. The ersatz often arrives wrapped in allure. Stay grounded and discerning, knowing that the first impression is not always the truth.

Hexagram 11: Peace (Tai): The union of Heaven and Earth symbolizes harmony. In a world full of ersatz experiences, true peace comes from embracing authenticity within. Recognize the ersatz for what it is, but don’t let it disturb your inner peace.

Hexagram 18: Work on What Has Been Spoiled (Ku):  When the fake takes over, it’s time for a cleansing. This hexagram speaks to the need for honest effort to clear away what is rotten or artificial. It is about rectifying the real from the ersatz and restoring genuine connections.

Ersatz or Real: The Tao of It All

In the end, the concept of "ersatz" isn’t just about what’s fake versus what’s real. It’s about how we navigate these layers in life, how we discern meaning, and how we connect with others. We encounter ersatz people, experiences, and things every day, but maybe it’s not about rejecting them outright. 

As Bourdain, Zhuangzi, and Mozi might agree in their strange, hypothetical conversation—sometimes, it’s in the ersatz that we find a truth we never expected. After all, even the fake stuff has a story, and it’s up to us to figure out what to do with it.

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