Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Daoism is an ancient Chinese philosophy that focuses on living in harmony with nature (the Dao) and achieving balance between yin and yang energies. It promotes simplicity, spontaneity, meditation, and following one's intuition.
The concept representing two opposing but complementary forces in nature - yin (darkness/feminine) and yang (light/masculine). They are interconnected and constantly changing.
Wu Wei: A principle in Daoism meaning "non-action" or "effortless action." It suggests acting without force or resistance to achieve desired outcomes.