Readers may be surprised to learn that Lao-Tzu did not care about happiness. Neither did Yang-Tzu and Chuang-Tzu. Their philosophy aims at doing what needs to be done in every case, on the assumption that good actions will breed a good outcome and that happiness will ensure as a side effect.
For this reason, I must disappoint those who expect to read here quotations that favour meditation, compassion, generosity, soul searching, and generally speaking, any spiritual or mental action. Psychological reassurance is not the Taoist way.
What is then the Taoist way? Action and non-action, as each situation may demand. The writings of Lao-Tzu, Yang-Tzu and Chuang-Tzu provide solid recommendations on how to address severe problems, risks, setbacks and hostile situations. It is all about choosing the correct course of action.
Wisdom consists, in their eyes, of an array of crucial skills that facilitate beneficial actions. Happiness is no issue because it is a derivative, not a primary. Success and prosperity are also not regarded as targets because they will automatically ensue if we make good decisions.
The metaphor of muddy water
In contrast to other philosophies or religions, Taoism doesn’t promise happiness. Why not? Because it takes it for granted. It also doesn’t teach popularity, empathy, generosity, compassion, kindness and altruism. Why not? Because it views all those as automatic consequences of choosing a beneficial lifestyle.
While other philosophies teach us how to trim and twist the branches, Taoism only cares about having a healthy tree. While others talk about virtue, Taoism wants to create conditions that make virtue automatic. While others talk about heaven, Taoism wants to create heaven-like conditions in the present.
In Chapter 15 of the Tao Te Ching, Lao-Tzu observes that muddy water clears up through the force of nature. The process will not accelerate if we stir the water, inject bubbles into it, or if we manipulate it in any other way. If we do so, we will slow down the process and achieve the opposite result.
Lao-Tzu’s observation about muddy water depicts his vision of happiness. We cannot clear the water by taking action. Only nature can do it, provided that we allow it to run its course. Let us refrain from shaking the water and delaying the process.
We should apply the same principle to happiness; we cannot bring it about by pushing and scheming, but if we allow events to run their course, happiness will ensue from our good actions in an automatic manner.
Lao-Tzu, Yang-Tzu and Chuang-Tzu emphasized the need to let events unfold, but they did not mean adopting a passive attitude. Taoists are enormously proactive, but they only want to perform beneficial actions, not random activities.
In case of doubt, Taoists will refrain from taking action. The last thing they want is to perform reckless, thoughtless actions that inflict damage on third parties. They regard such scenarios as abhorrent and unjustifiable.
If the doubts persist but there are solid indications that those actions may prove beneficial, Taoists will go ahead on a small scale. They will perform a token action just to test the waters. I consider this prudent approach as the only one consistent with Taoist ethics.
Lao-Tzu’s recommendation
When it comes to speed and method for attaining happiness, Lao-Tzu relies on the same principle as for the muddy water. I can point, for instance, to Chapter 29 of the Tao Te Ching and the exhortation to adapt our action to the circumstances.
Sometimes, problems call for preventive actions, but that is not always the case. A confusing situation may require us to wait and see, so that we can figure out what to do exactly.
The same tenet applies to our physical and mental strength. Sometimes, we will be capable of operating within our area of competence, but other situations may require us to go through a steep learning curve in no time at all.
“Let events run their natural course,” Lao-Tzu recommends.
I regard his prescription for happiness as remarkably wise. The modern exhortations to take action immediately and at any cost fall short of the Taoist requirement of thoughtlessness.
While other philosophies call for strong, determined action, Taoism favours smoothness, harmony and softness. Happiness can be attained more easily if we steer away from unnecessary trouble. It is wise to spare our resources and concentrate them on areas where they will bring about the best outcome.
Are Taoists happier than people from other philosophies and religions? My answer to this question would be too subjective, but when it comes to serenity, many Taoists display remarkable fearlessness and steadiness.
Fearlessness and Taoism
Fearlessness, which is a key ingredient of happiness, is built into Taoism to a larger extent than in other philosophies. Yang-Tzu, Chuang-Tzu and Lao-Tzu deeply trusted natural law. All elements of Taoism rely on the conviction that the Tao always works, and that it will always deliver the corresponding results.
For this reason, Taoists display levels of fearlessness that, in the eyes of the uninitiated, can be perceived as temerarious. In Chapter 74 of the Tao Te Ching, Lao-Tzu implies that it doesn’t make sense to fear death if it arises out of natural law.
When the last hour comes, Taoists consider it wise to accept it, but in the meantime, we should discard exaggerated fears. If we perform beneficial actions, we can trust that the Tao will do what needs to be done and deliver good results.
Similarly, if we refrain from performing harmful or reckless actions, we should take for granted that natural law will follow its course and keep us out of trouble. More often than not, fear is out of place for people who operate thoughtfully in life.
Lao-Tzu’s quotations about happiness are metaphorical and poetic. It takes some effort to grasp the Taoist concepts of good behaviour, prudence and fearlessness, especially because other philosophies constantly place happiness in the spotlight.
Nonetheless, the Taoist prescription for happiness possesses the appeal of olden practices. They might be boring, cryptic or puzzling, but if they deliver good results, it would be foolish to ignore them. Why would anyone eschew proven recipes and go looking for unverified novelties?
If you are interested in putting effective strategies into practice in all sorts of situations, I recommend my book “The Philosophy of Builders.”