“Non-Action” and “Assistance”: Laozi’s Thoughts on How to Treat Others

How to treat others is a key topic in Laozi’s thought. Laozi not only advocates “non-action” (wuwei 無爲), or interfering with others, but also hopes that actors will take some positive responsibilities for others. He expects can implement the instructions of Dao 道 and fulfill role “assisting achieve their self-so-ness daring interfere” (chapter 64). believes “one person become more abundant when he contributes others” 81); say, are always process mutual attainment. What claims be summarized by dual assertion “to do V1, V2” (V means type action), containing two kinds responsibilities: situations represented “not concrete manifestations “non-action,” which refers negative responsibility non-interference while signified V1” essentially kind action assisting There subtle cooperative relationship between “assistance” “non-action.” In nutshell, what support actualize authentic self on premise earnestly respecting spontaneity autonomy When focus broken through, we grasp thinking deeply expand our understanding his