Taoism (Daoism) (China) Taoism (or Daoism), attributed to Laozi’s Tao Te Ching (6th century BCE) and expanded by Zhuangzi, centers on aligning with the Tao—the ineffable, natural flow of the universe. It advocates wu wei (“non-action” or effortless action): not passivity, but acting in harmony with circumstances, like water flowing around obstacles. Taoism critiques rigid morality, intellectualism, and social ambition, favoring simplicity, spontaneity, and humility. Zhuangzi used parables to show the relativity of perspectives—questioning distinctions between dream/reality or life/death. Unlike Confucianism’s structured roles, Taoism embraces chaos and paradox as sources of wisdom. It deeply influenced Chinese art, medicine (e.g., qigong), and ecology, promoting balance with nature. Religious Taoism later incorporated rituals and immortality practices, but philosophical Taoism remains a quiet counterpoint to control-driven worldviews. In modern times, it inspires environmental ethics, mindfulness, and critiques of over-technologization. Taoism doesn’t seek to master the world but to move through it gracefully—reminding us that sometimes the softest path yields the strongest results.
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