When life takes a different direction than we hoped, our instinct is to push, plan and force events to unfold, ideally in the way we think they should. Lao Tzu offers a strikingly different idea. The Daoist concept of wu wei 無爲 — often translated as doing nothing — suggests that the most effective action may be to merely follow the direction that life takes us with focus, mastery and flow. While a good life requirse some level of moulding, the principle offers us a series of meaningful ways to respond when the world does not, inevitably, follow along with our deepest wishes. | | | Rather than simply accepting what we cannot change, these ideas help us endure this truth with greater tact and perspective.
Unlock all of our articles with a Content Membership — start your free trial below. | | | | | Is Free Will or Determinism Correct?
Philosophers have long debated whether our lives are shaped by freedom or by forces beyond our control. This article suggests the answer may be a deeply personal one, rather than an absolute truth.
| | | | | Six Ideas from Eastern Philosophy
Between Buddhist view of compassion and the Japanese art of kintsugi, these six ancient methods help us feel less agitated, more thoughtful and readier to appreciate our lives.
| | | Get daily lessons in philosophy, psychology and so much more on The School of Life App — alongside thousands of articles, films and card sets, tailored to your interests and ambitions. With courses like How to Love Culture and Great Ideas From Art and Architecture, each course is designed to help you develop a deeper understanding of the world through the lens of history's greatest minds. | | | A selection of essays and ideas that help us to live with moments of uncertainty, without letting them control us entirely. Become a Member to get 10% off all books and tools, across our entire online shop. | | | Great Thinkers Some of the most prominent figures throughout history wrestled with the same problems we do. Great Thinkers is our best-selling guide to some of the most important ideas in Eastern and Western culture that can still help us today. | | Essential Ideas: Serenity When we spend so much of our lives worrying, our relationships, families and work suffer with us. The third book in our Essential Ideas series, Serenity is a short, crucial guide to building the less turbulent future we deserve. | | | |
