Accomplishing Everything by Doing Nothing: An Exploration of the Philosophy of Life in the “Laozi”

Abstract

The five-thousand-character text of the Laozi discusses the methods by which the sage governs the world. When interpreted from a perspective concerned with the care of life, we can experience its solicitude for the authentic existence of human beings. The Laozi embodies a quest for the common people's state of "uncontrived wisdom" and a longing for the human "mind free from contention." Within this "non-contention," "weakness" and "tranquility" manifest, appearing to possess the subtle power to move a thousand pounds with a mere four ounces—that is, "The soft and weak overcome the hard and strong." Based on this, and proceeding from the authenticity of life, "wuwei" (non-action) is not a passive choice but a transcendence of finite existence at the level of the Dao. In essence, through caring for human life and engaging in philosophical therapy to apprehend the true meaning of the Laozi's "Dao," we can further perceive the value and significance of life.