Persistence in error is not a sign of wisdom, and should be rather called stubbornness. Unfortunately, we have a long list of examples in history where stubborn individuals have been characterised as heroes.
Taoists follow the opposite approach, that is, the acceptance of constraints and occasional failure as part of life. When their actions turn out to be less beneficial than expected, they do not break into lamentations. When setbacks destroy their laborious efforts, they do not sink into depression.
Lao-Tzu formulated the natural-path principle in Chapter 73 of the Tao Te Ching: Nature does not run ahead of itself, but accomplishes its goals nonetheless. The world turns at its own speed, and it’s unwise to complain that it goes too slowly or too fast.
The Tao Te Ching does not use the expression “the path of least resistance,” but I regard it as the modern equivalent of the ancient concept of the Tao. What seemed natural to Yang-Tzu and Chuang-Tzu, can prove obsolete or unworkable in terms of today’s lifestyle.
Amidst cheap artificial lighting, pervasive internet access, and affordable international travel, we may find it difficult to recognize the Tao, but we can surely identify the path of least resistance.
More often than not, the path of least resistance matches the demands of the market. Taoists love ancient stories about wise men in the mountains, but for many people today, the ancient mountain lifestyle is unworkable. It has become prohibitively expensive and unbearably boring.
Adaptability in the Tao Te Ching
Chapter 36 of the Tao Te Ching enunciates the paradox of softness and strength. It correctly predicts that a soft, flexible, adaptable strategy will triumph against rigidity. I want to place emphasis on flexibility, especially when it comes to fine-tuning our actions, so that they match the demands of the market.
Taoists do not believe that markets are always right. In fact, markets are wrong all the time. People will sometimes become enchanted by advertisements, purchase the product, and realize that it falls short of expectations; then they tell their family and friends, and the market demand for the product dries up.
Similarly, people may make unrealistic assumptions, adhere to delusional beliefs, and pursue chimerical goals. When those errors become popular, the market will operate irrationally, but only for a while. Sooner or later, reality retakes the upper hand.
In contrast to other philosophies, Taoists take it for granted that many people, including themselves, will fall prey to wrong perceptions and delusions from time to time.
It is part of human nature to pay far too much attention to majority opinions, even when they contradict our own direct observations. No matter how often we study the Tao Te Ching, we will still fall prey to delusions now and then.
Chuang-Tzu’s realistic expectations
Chuang-Tzu held realistic expectations in this respect. His attitude towards mistakes was benevolent and tolerant. It does not make sense to grieve when we commit an error or suffer a setback because, if we look at the whole picture, we’ll see that those errors and setbacks were destined to happen.
If we drop a clay pot accidentally, explained Chuang-Tzu, it does not make sense to grieve when the pot breaks into pieces. If we look at the whole picture, we’ll comprehend that the clay pot was destined to break into pieces, sooner or later.
Our decisions seldom have to do with broken clay pots, but Chuang-Tzu’s observation applies universally. If we make the wrong choices in investments, relationships, and nutrition, bad consequences will ensue, but if we look at the big picture, we’ll see those choices as consequences of our limited wisdom.
Taoists accept their imperfections and commit themselves to returning to the Tao, that is, to the path of least resistance. Lao-Tzu, Yang-Tzu, and Chuang-Tzu did not possess omniscience either, as illustrated by the little we know of their biographies.
Trust in the Tao, as recommended in Chapter 23 of the Tao Te Ching, means trust in our wherewithal to find solutions and correct our course of action. The Taoist patient trial and error is the best way to adapt ourselves to market demands, and avoid excessive heartache when we make mistakes.
Chuang-Tzu depicted the perfect river navigator as one who automatically responds to the water currents. Navigators must face changing conditions, but they adapt all the time; they take advantage of currents, and follow the path of least resistance.
Unfortunately, Western thought sometimes pushes us to take a rough, unsafe path and ignore the demands of the market. I’m not saying that we should relinquish our ethical values and do whatever becomes fashionable. Taoism advises that we use the currents, but it is us who determine where our boat is going.
Lao-Tzu and St. Cecilia
Take for instance St Cecilia, a Christian martyr that lived in the 2nd century AD. According to tradition, Cecilia drew the attention of Roman authorities when she decided to distribute all her possessions amongst the poor.
The decision turned Cecilia into a prime target for religious prosecution. Eventually, she was burned alive and beheaded. It is fair to question the wisdom of her defiance, even if Roman laws at that time were abusive.
What if Cecilia had made her donations step by step without attracting attention? Could she have achieved the same effect inconspicuously? History does not provide the answer to these questions, but they are worth considering.
Taoists systematically steer away from conflict, even when they are facing evil opponents. Lao-Tzu did not favour risking one’s life for abstract ideals since he expected evil persons to self-destruct. Yang-Tzu was even more adamant in his respect.
In chapter 22 of the Tao Te Ching, Lao-Tzu implies that the Tao is the opposite of conflict. I agree, however, that it is hard to find a moral path of least resistance when dealing with evil. In crisis situations, Taoists will struggle to find the enlightened path and stay at a safe distance from dark forces.
In modern times, many individuals still consider Lao-Tzu’s preference for softness incomprehensible. Their views match those of the French poet Blaise Cendrars (1887-1961), namely, that life should be lived daringly and adventurously.
Instead, Taoists take the soft path of the Tao, which does not guarantee success, but will minimise unnecessary risks. Lao-Tzu may be called unflattering names due to his reluctance to fight, but has he not spared humanity a great deal of suffering?
If you are interested in putting rational ideas into practice in all sorts of situations, I recommend my book “Against all odds: How to achieve great victories in desperate times.”