KEY CONCEPTS

TERMBASES

Rule Through Non-action

Zhi (治) here means a state of good governance; wuwei (无为non-action) does not mean doing nothing, but instead not acting in an over-assertive manner, inother words, not imposing one’s will. In Daoist thinking, this expression means the ruler must respect the natural conditions of those governed (the people); he must not interfere unduly in their lives but allow them to follow their own desires and ways to fulfill themselves. Through “non-action” everything will be actually achieved. The focus is “Dao operates naturally.” In Confucian thinking, “non-action” means the ruler governs by influencing and motivating his subjects through his moral example and achievements, not through decrees, or coercive punishments, so that they act without being ordered, and social harmony is achieved. The focus here is something similar to “teaching people essential ideals and principles and guiding them to embrace goodness so as to build a harmonious social order.” Both the Confucian and Daoist schools of thought advocate governance through respect for the intrinsic nature of people and society, not through too much interference or imposition.

CITATION
1
Dao always makes all things possible through non-interference with them. If the ruler can strictly follow this, then all things and creatures will grow of their own accord.
CITATION
2
Confucius said, “Who was the best at ruling through non-action? Probably Shun. And what did he do? Just sat solemnly upright on his imperial throne.”
TAGS:

CORRELATION