CultureEast Asia
Daoism
The counter-voice to Confucius: do less, force nothing
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The Daodejing is among the most translated books in the world, and among the most ambiguous — it can be read as mysticism, as political advice to a ruler, or as military strategy. The two traditions became China's two halves: Confucian in office, Daoist in poetry and old age. Zen Buddhism was later formed where Daoism met Buddhism from India.
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Where Confucius held that society needs rules and correct conduct, the Daoists held the opposite: the more you force, the worse it goes. One should follow the way of nature, as water finds its path around a stone.
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Part of Terra Saga — the story of Earth on a timeline. terrasaga.org