Category: Philosophy
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Lightness as a major Taoist virtue
While Western culture prompts us to do our utmost, achieve the maximum, and rise the highest, Taoism preaches lightness as a lifestyle. Chapter 9 of the Tao Te Ching admonishes those who do too much because, more often than not, they will spend more resources than necessary and end up incurring losses. Lao-Tzu warns us…
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The Taoist philosophy and its benefits
I can summarise in five words the benefits that I draw from Taoism: a strong sense of direction. The Tao Te Ching enables me to make fast and accurate decisions in complex situations. I would be at a loss on many occasions if I could not rely on the insights gained from Lao-Tzu, Yang-Tzu and…
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Self-preservation as a priority in Taoism
Eastern philosophical literature seldom mentions survival or self-preservation as one of the main beliefs in Taoism. In fact, neither Lao-Tzu (sixth century BC), nor Yang-Tzu (fourth century BC) nor Chuang-Tzu wrote primarily about survival or self-preservation. Their observations on this matter may appear secondary, but actually, they sustain the edifice of Taoism. Chapter 2 of…
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The main beliefs in Taoism
In contrast to established religions and ideologies, Taoism does not possess a credo. There is no list of beliefs that Taoists need to learn by heart, preach, and pay allegiance to. The only common characteristic of Lao-Tzu’s doctrines is their realism, and the only Taoist commandment is to think for ourselves. Chapter 25 of the…
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The main lesson from the Tao Te Ching
I am sure that neither Lao-Tzu (sixth century BC) nor Yang- Tzu (fourth century BC) were expecting anyone to learn the principles of Taoism in five seconds, but the sophistication of Taoist philosophy will not prevent me from presenting briefly its key principle: its preference for the natural over artificiality. However, I must hasten to…
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Key ideas from the Tao Te Ching explained
I can easily tell a real Taoist from someone who is not. The differentiating factor is the feeling of harmony that the Taoist exudes at all times. The feeling that every element in the world is playing a role that complements everything else. Chuang-Tzu presented this Taoist principle from a slightly different angle because he…
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Taoism for beginners: Lao-Tzu and Chuang-Tzu
If I had to explain Taoism in a minute, I would emphasize the principle of non-action, that is, the paradox that, on many occasions, doing nothing is better than doing something. For a person schooled in Western thinking, the Taoist paradox is hard to accept. It requires careful study and extended reflection. Lao-Tzu (sixth century…
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Summary of Lao-Tzu’s teachings
There are a lot of questionable aspects in Taoism, but there are also profound insights. Those provide a perspective that we cannot find in Western thinkers, with the exception of Spinoza (1632-1677) and Schopenhauer (1788-1860). What can we learn from Taoism that Western philosophers have not already addressed? Did Socrates (469-399 BC), Plato (427-347 BC)…
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Seneca’s approach to mental clarity
It is easy to keep a clear mind during a sunny day, when all elements are in our favour: good health, a regular income, old friends that appreciate us, and a loving family around us. It is a different story to keep our wits when things fall apart and keep getting worse. Seneca (4 BC-65…
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Seneca’s letters on motivation
In our century, motivation seminars have become a sizeable industry. Companies send their employees to those seminars in the hope of increasing sales, productivity and innovation, but it is hard to keep people motivated month after month, especially during periods of economic stagnation. Seneca (4 BC-65 AD) didn’t invent the motivation seminar, but he achieved…
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Recent Posts
- How to apply Taoism in daily life
- The cost of Taoist harmony
- Taoist harmony in the middle of chaos
- The hidden balance in Taoism
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