Chapter V, Taoism, Other Taoist Values, Summary and Analysis

Taoists reject all forms of competition or ambition to stand out. Humility in the Taoist renders great respect for the weak and the deformed. They point out that the value of such things as cups and windows is that part that is not there. Taoism avoids aggressiveness and teaches that nature is to be befriended, with one seeking oneness with it and not dominance over it. Pomp and formality are regarded as foolishness. Chuang Tzu taught simplicity and beauty as opposed to the more ceremonial system of Confucianism. Taoism views life in a system of polarities as in the Chinese yin/yang symbol. The circle that surrounds them completes the picture of wholeness. In keeping with the Taoist minimalism, the Taoist maintains that meditation of the symbol is the best way...