On Lao Tzu’s Ethics as the Inspiration and Practice of Education for Sustainable Development

Ethics is at the core of education for sustainable development (ESD). Based on a literature review, this article discusses inspiration and practice Lao Tzu’s ethics in ESD. For paper, review was undertaken three electronic databases were searched (Web Science, Scopus, Google Scholar) from 1980 to 2022 identify relevant research topics. The search strategy used keywords, titles, abstracts topics, including Tzu (Taoist philosophy, ethics, Daodejing) (administrative leadership, curriculum, teaching). Other related articles books are also included bibliography. It concluded that “the Tao way follows nature” “non-contention” can build harmonious society; practicing “minimalism” help achieve economic sustainability; concept birth unborn” pioneers coexistence human beings nature. Schools ESD apply establish leadership relationship saints, adopt teacher–student interaction model supreme good like water” principle ethical literacy introduce courses autonomous, interactive, common good. Therefore, exploration allows Eastern thought be values ESD, provides practical insights into school administration, teaching, curriculum implementation.