Taoism, also written Daoism, includes both philosophical and organised religious traditions. It should not be reduced to one doctrine, one institution or only the teachings attributed to Laozi and Zhuangzi.
Religion or belief system
Taoism
A Chinese philosophical and religious tradition centred on the Dao, naturalness, balance, simplicity, flexibility and acting without forced or excessive interference.
Context and scope
Thinkers and influential figures
Laozi
Philosopher · Traditionally dated to the 6th century BCE; historical identity and dates uncertain · Daoist philosophy, naturalness, simplicity, government and non-forcing
Laozi is the traditional author associated with the Dao De Jing and one of the foundational figures of Taoism.
Zhuangzi
Philosopher · Traditionally c. 369–286 BCE · Daoist philosophy, perspective, language, freedom, change and naturalness
Zhuangzi was an influential Daoist philosopher whose associated text uses stories and paradox to question certainty, rigid distinctions and conventional values.
Scripture and primary texts
Softness Can Overcome Hardness
Dao De Jing · Dao De Jing 43, 76 and 78
Is gentleness more effective than force in responding to conflict and adversity?
The Dao That Can Be Named
Dao De Jing · Dao De Jing 1
How confidently should people speak about realities that may exceed language and direct knowledge?
Wu Wei: Acting Without Forcing
Dao De Jing · Dao De Jing 2, 37 and 48
When is restraint wiser than intervention, and when does inaction become neglect?
The Cook Ding Story and Skilled Action
Zhuangzi · Zhuangzi, Chapter 3
What makes skilled action appear effortless, and can mastery be separated from ethical purpose?
Zhuangzi's Butterfly Dream
Zhuangzi · Zhuangzi, Chapter 2
How certain can people be about perception, identity and the nature of reality?
Findings
No reasoned findings have been linked to this belief system yet.
Articles
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Questions and answers
No questions have been linked to this belief system yet.
Quote verifications
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