Daodejing Chapter 8 Analysis

In the Daodejing, Laozi advocates the idea of wuwei, which literally translates to “nonaction” as it is referred to in the text (Chapter 2, pg. 164). However, this does not imply it is best to do nothing at all, but rather asserts that we should act through nonaction implying in a sense to go along with the course of nature (Chapter 63, pg. 194). As Laozi says, “the Way does nothing yet nothing is left undone” (Chapter 37, pg. 179). Therefore, harmony will come from letting actions come naturally as opposed to forcibly taking action. To further explain the concept of nonaction, Laozi uses a metaphor of water to demonstrate the idea of wuwei. In chapter eight of the Daodejing, Laozi claims “the highest good is like water” which is “good at benefiting the myriad creatures while not contending with them” (pg. 165). Here water is a good expression of wuwei as it naturally acts through nonaction. For instance, if you leave water on a flat surface it will naturally stay. On …show more content…
Laozi notably makes several mentions of the sages practicing wuwei to exemplify the benefits of wuwei for the people. The first reference noticed as early as in chapter two, which claims sages practice teaching without words by abiding by nonaction (pg. 162). In this example, the sages are said to be better off leaving the people to come to harmony with themselves and simple watch them come to good terms from afar. Hence, the idea of teaching without words, which is emphasized once again in chapter forty-three. The sages succeed in their tasks through wuwei as they “follow no activity and gain the world”, where the people are able to transform, correct, regulate, prosper, and simplify thee lives without the interference of the sages (Chapter 57, pg. 190). Through effortless action the sages are able to ensure harmony among the