Think Piece on Taoism

Think Piece on Taoism

The Taoist philosophy is believed to have originated its philosophical system stems largely from the Tao Te Ching, could be translated as The Law (or Canon) of Virtue and its Way, a philosophical text that has been associated and ascribed to the sixth century B. C. philosopher Lao Tzu.

Some scholars slightly associated this philosophy to Confucianism because these two philosophies have been seen side-by-side as two distinct responses to the different conditions of life that has been felt in China a half millennia ago. However, we must consider that Confucianism is greatly concerned with the conduct, human society and social relations, whereas Taoism has more "individualistic and mystical character, greatly influenced by nature.

This philosophy also believes that all striving and straining are not egotistic but counterproductive. One should endeavor to do nothing instead. However, this does not mean to literally do nothing, bit to distinguish and follow the natural forces, by following the flow of events and not going against the natural order of things.

And so, the Taoist political doctrines reflect this philosophy: "that the ruler's duty is to impose a minimum of government, while protecting his people from experiencing material wants or strong passions. Accordingly, its political doctrines strongly stipulate that we must indulge ourselves to the solitary contemplation of nature instead to the affairs of men. Lao Tzu writes a direct and practical political message: "Why are people starving? Because the rulers eat up the money in taxes. Therefore the people are starving. Why are the people rebellious? Because the rulers interfere too much. Therefore they are rebellious