Dialogue on Views on Civilization | Yang Shengyun
The insights of Taoist wisdom in dealing with changing situations and challenges
Currently, the era's themes of peace and development are facing a backlash, and human civilization as a whole is experiencing a period of turbulence and unrest. Overall, human civilization is confronting four major challenges:
Firstly, there is the challenge of peace. Cold war mentality and zero-sum games have become significant factors leading to the outbreak of military conflicts between Russia and Ukraine. Regions such as the Korean Peninsula, the Taiwan Strait, the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz, and Kashmir continue to face unresolved factors of instability and insecurity. The burden of hegemonism and power confrontation, as negative legacies of human history, grows heavier.
Secondly, there is the challenge of development. Anti-globalization undoubtedly deals a heavy blow to the world economy. The impacts of the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict continue to affect global economic and social development. Internal conflicts within the world intensify, with major and developed countries experiencing economic stagnation and focusing on self-preservation. Some small and medium-sized countries in the third world lack strategic reserves and the ability for full-chain production and economic self-circulation, leaving them in a precarious situation. Basic crises such as food and energy shortages are severe.
Thirdly, there is the challenge of governance. The need to address climate change and tackle global challenges such as maintaining peace is becoming increasingly prominent. However, the difficulty of coordinating among major powers and achieving global cooperation is growing.
Fourthly, there is the challenge of psychological distress. The changing global landscape intensifies fluctuations in people's hearts, and qualities such as composure, authenticity and selflessness are becoming increasingly scarce. According to a report from the World Health Organization, approximately 1 billion people worldwide are currently affected by mental health disorders. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase of 70 million cases of depression, 90 million cases of anxiety, and a doubling of insomnia cases globally. Under the influence of the pandemic, conflicts in values have become even more severe.
Faced with these four major challenges, nations, ethnic groups and many individuals who are aware of the concerns are pondering over significant questions such as "What has happened to the world?" and "What should we do?" As individuals, regardless of whether we have personally been greatly impacted or not, we should earnestly consider important issues such as "harmony" versus "discord", "fortune" versus "misfortune", individuality versus collectivism, and the present versus the future. We should not solely focus on our immediate tasks without lifting our heads to see the road ahead.
In the process of exploring solutions to these significant real-world problems, besides proposing strategies and recommendations from political, scientific and governance perspectives, it is important to draw wisdom from the dimensions of history and philosophy. This enriches and enhances our approach to problem-solving and guides us in seeking benefits and avoiding harm. Chinese civilization has withstood continuous and long-term challenges from nature and society. As the purest, most inclusive and philosophically rich source of Chinese culture, Taoist philosophy encompasses a profound wisdom in observing phenomena, understanding change and dealing with adversity. In the following, I will discuss the contemporary value of Taoist wisdom from three aspects.
1. The Great Transformation Spanning a Hundred Years in the Perspective of Taoism
The essence of Taoism lies in its philosophy of returning to simplicity, harmonizing with nature, and embracing the balance of yin and yang. It not only recognizes the value of human existence in the natural world and society but also advocates for aligning human destiny with the laws of nature. The Chinese thinker Wei Yuan, from the modern era, praised Taoism by saying, "It can enlighten the way for rulers, regulate personal conduct for individuals, and govern people when applied broadly." Therefore, Taoism is not about withdrawing from the world but rather about uplifting and benefiting society through transcendent thinking and a carefree mindset. Viewing this century-long transformation through the lens of Taoist philosophy, it can be mainly observed in three aspects:
“天地所以能长且久者，以其不自生，故能长生”
Firstly, from an ontological perspective, Taoist philosophy emphasizes "life", where difficulties and challenges themselves are manifestations of "life". Tao is a unique concept in Chinese philosophy, as expressed in statements such as "Truth can be known, but it may not be the wellknown truth or the truth known to you. Things may be named. But names are not the things.", "Who can of Tao the nature tell? Our sight it flies, our touch as well"， and "The things of this world come from Being, and Being (comes) from Non-being". It is difficult to define the concept of Tao using concepts from idealism or materialism, and its profound nature defies specific description. Tao represents the unity of matter and spirit, emptiness and existence, and its essence lies in the inherent vitality of continuous growth and development. It is "independent yet unchanging, encompassing yet unharmed", much like the rotation of the Earth, the movement of the solar system, and the galaxy. Therefore, whether it is a century-long transformation or a global pandemic, they are fleeting moments or particles in the ever-changing world. Difficulties and challenges are also manifestations of "life", and we should face them with a calm and dialectical mindset. Additionally, Laozi also believed that "Man patterns himself on the operation of the earth; the earth patterns itself on the operation of heaven; heaven patterns itself on the operation of Tao; Tao patterns itself on what is natural." and "The reason why Heaven and Earth are able to endure and last long is because they do not live for themselves; thus, they are able to live long." If human civilization wants to endure, it must align with the laws of nature and foster its intrinsic vitality by embracing a collective sense of "selflessness".
Secondly, from a worldview perspective, Taoist thought emphasizes "transformation". The great changes of the century contain both challenges and opportunities, with the possibility of "turning crisis into opportunity". The philosophical system of Taoism believes that things have a dual nature: "Being and Not-being grow out of one another；Difficult and easy complete one another. Long and short test one another；High and low determine one another. Pitch and mode give harmony to one another. Front and back give sequence to one another." At the same time, it also recognizes that good and bad, fortune and misfortune, depend on each other and can be transformed. "Fortune can turn into misfortune and misfortune may become fortune." Within the context of great changes, there are positive and negative factors, as well as tendencies or situations of progress and regress, civilization and anti-civilization. A major transformation implies tremendous uncertainty. If handled properly, this transformation can lead to favorable outcomes, but if handled improperly, it can worsen and even result in disruptive consequences.
“天地与我为一”，“天与人不相胜”
Thirdly, from the perspective of individuals, Taoist thought emphasizes "harmony". In the face of transformation, individuals should maintain calmness, broaden their perspectives, and promptly adjust their relationships with nature, society and themselves. Taoism believes that humans are born from nature and are the product of the unity of heaven and earth. "Heaven and earth are one with me"， "Heaven does not contend against humans"， and "All living things should flourish without harming each other; all ways of life should thrive without hindering each other." It opposes the alienation of individuals from society. At the same time, Taoism emphasizes the value of life and the optimization of life, offering unique insights into the physical and mental health of human beings, the pursuit of accomplishments, and the establishment of a meaningful existence. Remarkably, Taoist thought has a clear understanding of human flaws, social problems, and threats and damages to "all things". It not only offers criticisms but also points out a path, which can be summarized in one word: "harmony". The development of human civilization often involves "creative destruction", mainly manifested in the human assumption of mastery over nature and the disruption of the harmonious and orderly relationship with the world. It has also led to the confusion of human values. Today, we possess a much greater material civilization than ever before, but if we look at the human spirit, it has never been as fragile, selfish and chaotic as it is today. As the world changes faster, individuals need humility and tranquility more than ever. They must engage in self-criticism, self-purification and self-improvement, rectify deviations and mistakes, and thereby enhance harmonious coexistence between humans and all things. This will promote the return of social functioning to the right track and optimize the inherent value of humanity.
2. Insights for Dealing with Transformations and Challenges
The first aspect is to approach things with a state of non-doing and non-self. "The Tao always achieves everything by non-interference." Non-doing does not mean inaction or being idle, but rather going with the flow, not going against natural principles, avoiding unnecessary trouble, extremism or radicalism. Only by boarding the ship of non-doing can humans overcome challenges and achieve great success. When individuals cultivate the awareness of non-doing, they can accomplish tasks with greater ease and efficiency. Non-doing also implies virtuous action. Laozi said, "What (Tao's) skilful planter can never be uptorn; What his skilful arms enfold, from him can ne'er be borne." Zhuangzi said, "There is a limit to our life, but to knowledge there is no limit. With what is limited to pursue after what is unlimited is a perilous thing." In the midst of a rapidly changing world, each stage has its own mission and tasks. In one's life practice, everyone has limitations in terms of abilities and energy. Therefore, one should prioritize tasks and not consider everything as equally important. It is essential to grasp the key aspects, simplify complexity, avoid excessive attachment, and focus one's energy and time on important matters. Non-self means acting without contention or dependence, carrying out worldly tasks with a transcendent spirit. The quote that "...achieves his aim, but does not call attention to what he does" means that one does not seek personal recognition after achieving success.
The second aspect is to approach the pursuit of benefits and avoidance of harm with a mindset of contentment and knowing when to stop. "With all the sharpness of the Way of Heaven, it injures not." How can one pursue benefits and avoid harm? For Taoists, cognitive ability and spiritual state are crucial. People often find it difficult to escape from the entanglement of fame and fortune. However, many individuals, in their pursuit of fame and profit, lose themselves and weaken their level of cognition and awareness of principles. Laozi raised a question regarding this: "Between a person’s fame and his life, which one does the person treasure more? Between a person’s wealth and his life, which one does the person value more? Between fame, wealth and losing one’s own life, which will a person choose?" He believed that placing excessive importance on fame and profit, and excessively accumulating wealth, would severely deplete one's life. Only those who are content and aware of their limits can live a healthy and peaceful life. "When wealth and honors lead to arrogancy," such individuals will bring suffering upon themselves. Another key aspect of pursuing benefits and avoiding harm lies in insight and foresight. "Not knowing this cycle leads to reckless disaster." In times of significant change, uncertainty increases. Whether at the national or individual level, when one finds oneself within such circumstances, the relationship between benefits and harms becomes even more closely intertwined with the overall situation. On one hand, it is necessary to seek a balance between self-interest and sacrifice. When required, one should proactively make compromises in terms of personal sacrifice. On the other hand, it is important to anticipate potential risks, be prepared in advance, and make feasible preparations and contingency plans. If one waits until the crisis arrives to hastily respond, the costs and consequences will multiply.
“嗜欲深者，其天机浅”
The third aspect is to face the temptations of desire with a mindset of tranquility and moral integrity. Desire is inherent to human nature, but the root cause of human suffering and many societal problems lies in excessive selfishness and possessiveness. Laozi believed, "A riot of color makes one dizzy; discordant melody damages one's hearing; plenty of food numbs one's taste bud; hunting to excess causes one to lose control over oneself; and a valuable object tempts one into stealing it." In contemporary society, the pleasures and material wealth available far exceed those of the Eastern Zhou period over two thousand years ago. Yet, humans often find themselves unable to free themselves from the traps of their own desires. Regarding the harms of excessive indulgence, Laozi pointed out, "If a person treasures his fame excessively, he will spend extravagant energy on it. If a person hoards wealth, sooner or later, he will lose it." He also stated, "There is no guilt greater than to sanction ambition; no calamity greater than to be discontented with one's lot; no fault greater than the wish to be getting." Zhuangzi further believed, "Those deeply entrenched in desires have shallow understanding." If a person becomes a slave to desires, they have no opportunity to experience the freedom of life. Taoism does not advocate asceticism but rather promotes contentment and reducing excessive desires. It advocates that "to have little is yet to gain, to have much is yet to be perplexed." and that "serenity is the right way in the world." By cultivating spiritual refinement and enriching one's inner life, transcending the bondage of material desires, individuals can truly attain liberation and reach a state of carefree tranquility.
“人世间”
Fourth, it is to meet the challenges of adversity with self-awareness and self-conquest. "Reversion is the action of Tao." The movement of Tao follows a constant cycle, and things develop towards their opposite. Therefore, adversity is not terrifying because it will eventually pass. What is truly terrifying is to lie down or act recklessly in the face of adversity, thereby increasing its harmful effects and even leading to one's demise. In the "Human World" chapter of Zhuangzi, there is a story about a person with disabilities named Zhili Shu (possibly suffering from severe ankylosing spondylitis since childhood). He spent most of his life in adversity, but he maintained an optimistic attitude. He would mend clothes for people and do some tasks like sieving bran and winnowing rice to get by and enjoy his remaining years. This story tells us that no matter how difficult our life circumstances are, as long as we can recognize and accept ourselves, overcome ourselves, there will always be a path to walk on. Laozi said, "It is wisdom to know others; It is enlightenment to know one's self. The conqueror of men is powerful; The master of himself is strong." Self-awareness is the premise and foundation of self-conquest. By accepting one's situation and finding one's own place, and by continuously overcoming the obstacles set by oneself and the external world, no one can restrict you. You can turn danger into safety, live a life of quality and dignity. Personally, I believe that for someone in adversity, gaining self-acceptance is far more important than seeking recognition from others or society.
3. The Innovation of International Dissemination of Taoist Thought
Taoist thought is a great cultural resource of the Chinese nation and has a broad influence worldwide. According to UNESCO statistics, Laozi's "Tao Te Ching" is the second most widely translated and distributed cultural masterpiece in the world, second only to the Bible. The profoundness, inclusiveness and forward-thinking nature of Taoist thought give it significant value and meaning for dissemination. However, there are objective differences between China and other regions of the world in terms of ideological culture, discourse systems and audience habits, some of which are quite significant. In order to help the world understand this Chinese classic and contribute more positive energy to human civilization, I have the following suggestions:
First, disseminators should have cultural consciousness. Disseminators should have a clear understanding of the cultural advantages and characteristics of Taoist thought, internalizing them and manifesting them externally. Firstly, efforts should be made to promote Taoist thought domestically. Compared to Confucian thought, the promotion of Taoist thought is still insufficient, as the core of Chinese traditional culture lies in the "complementarity of Confucianism and Taoism" or the "integration of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism". Especially for young people, Taoist thought can inspire their wisdom, enhance their physical and mental well-being, and serve as a beneficial life guide for their future integration into society. Of course, we should also recognize the shortcomings of Taoism. Taoism itself emphasizes "(The Way of heaven) reduces surplus to make up for scarcity". Through the exchange and mutual learning of Chinese and foreign cultures, we can often gain more benefits and make up for any deficiencies.
Second, broaden the scope of international dissemination actors. There are many practitioners and scholars of Taoist thought overseas. In today's interconnected world, disseminators are not limited to media and institutions; they can also be individuals, reaching not only within their own country but also across various corners of the world. Particularly, foreign scholars who are familiar with both Chinese and foreign discourse systems often have more down-to-earth communication approaches. Telling Taoist stories may be more accessible and comprehensible to their own country's population or to people who share the same language.
Third, emphasize the integration of real-life issues and societal concerns. Taoist thought has wide-ranging practical guidance, encompassing governance, personal cultivation, life sciences and business management. Wisdom and insights can be derived from Taoist thought in various aspects. Therefore, the dissemination of Taoist thought should strive to address real-life problems and connect them with the lives of overseas audiences. In particular, when dealing with adversity, Taoist wisdom can play a positive role in promoting physical and mental well-being, social harmony and other aspects of people's lives.
Fourth, innovate and integrate forms of communication that bridge Chinese and foreign cultures. Taoist thought is profound, and if it can be presented in a storytelling and personalized manner, especially in line with the characteristics of internet-based communication, it can effectively overcome distance and barriers. Many Chinese characters, idioms and proverbs contain the philosophy of Taoism. For example, "Tao Te Ching" contains 52 idioms, such as "天长地久" (lasting forever), "上善若水" (the highest virtue resembles water), "千里之行始于足下" (a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step) and "虚怀若谷" (an open mind is as deep as a valley). Explaining and presenting these concepts in a language that is rich in distinctive characteristics and accompanied by visual elements will likely achieve favorable results.
