Mr. Chow Mo-wan vs Zhu Bajie: The Seduction of Restraint vs the Seduction of Indulgence

I once met a man in a Shanghai teahouse who claimed to have known Mr. Chow Mo-wan personally. He described him as the kind of person who never said more than he needed to, who let silences stretch between words like cigarette smoke curling into the night air. Years later, while traveling through the western provinces, I heard an old monk speak of Zhu Bajie — a creature of appetites, a man who ate, drank, and flirted with the kind of abandon that could only come from being half-divine and half-pig.

These two figures, though separated by centuries and mythologies, both represent powerful archetypes of temptation and desire in Chinese culture. One embodies the quiet ache of what could have been; the other, the raucous joy of taking what you want. Let’s explore how these two very different seducers shaped — and were shaped by — the worlds they inhabited.

## What Did They Believe About Desire?

Mr. Chow Mo-wan lived in a world where everything had to be unsaid. Set against the backdrop of 1960s Hong Kong, his story is one of restrained longing. He believed that desire was something to be felt but not acted upon — a secret to be carried like a stone in your pocket. His restraint wasn’t just about propriety; it was about survival in a society where scandal could ruin you.

Zhu Bajie, on the other hand, believed that desire was meant to be indulged. As one of the disciples in Journey to the West, he was constantly chasing women, food, and comfort. His philosophy was simple: life is fleeting, and if you’re lucky enough to be reborn as a half-immortal, you’d better enjoy it.

## How Did They Handle Temptation?

Mr. Chow Mo-wan dealt with temptation by turning inward. He channeled his frustration into writing, imagining a life he could never have. His method was one of elegant denial — he avoided eye contact, kept conversations brief, and always seemed to be one step removed from the moment.

Zhu Bajie tackled temptation head-on — and usually with a wink. He didn’t hide his desires; he shouted them from the rooftops. If a village girl caught his eye, he’d propose marriage on the spot. If a feast was laid before him, he’d eat until he could barely walk. His temptation wasn’t a flaw; it was part of his charm.

## What Was Their Greatest Strength?

For Mr. Chow Mo-wan, his greatest strength was his self-control. He understood that sometimes the most powerful emotions are the ones left unspoken. In a world where reputation was everything, his restraint made him tragically noble.

Zhu Bajie’s strength lay in his authenticity. He never pretended to be something he wasn’t. While others in his journey sought enlightenment through discipline, he found his path through laughter and mistakes. His flaws made him human — or at least, as human as a pig-man could be.

## How Did They Influence Their Cultures?

Mr. Chow Mo-wan became a symbol of unfulfilled love and quiet tragedy. His story, immortalized in Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love, resonated with audiences who recognized the ache of missed opportunities. He represented a generation that lived under the weight of decorum, where passion had to be expressed through glances and cigarette smoke.

Zhu Bajie, by contrast, has become a folk hero — a reminder that enlightenment doesn’t always come through austerity. His antics in Journey to the West have made him a favorite among children and adults alike, showing that even on the holiest of journeys, there’s room for humor, hunger, and heart.

## What Legacy Do They Leave Behind?

Mr. Chow Mo-wan left behind a legacy of longing. His story is one that makes you look back at your own life and wonder about the roads not taken. He’s a figure of quiet elegance, a man who never said too much but meant everything.

Zhu Bajie’s legacy is one of joy and imperfection. He reminds us that we don’t have to be saints to be heroes. His journey teaches that growth can come from indulgence as much as from sacrifice — and that sometimes, the messiest paths lead to the truest wisdom.

If you're curious about how these two very different men would reflect on their lives and choices, you can talk to them directly. Mr. Chow Mo-wan might offer a wistful sigh and a cigarette. Zhu Bajie would probably ask for a snack first. On HoloDream, both are waiting — and eager to share the stories they never got to tell.