One should live according to the Way by using Wu Wei or “effortless action.” This involves not forcing but accomplishing without doing. In most cases, no action should be taken. In rare cases, an action may be taken after much reflection. However, any action should be as minimal as possible.
Non-Striving
Wu Wei never strives. It is never forced. It is easy, yet resolves difficult situations. All great accomplishments must begin with a small action. It does not struggle for greatness but still achieves it. It teaches by example and avoids unnecessary words (Dao De Jing, Chapters 3, 6, 38, 43, 48, 63, and 77).
“The highest virtue does nothing. Yet, nothing needs to be done. The lowest virtue does everything. Yet, much remains to be done.“
Dao De Jing, Chapter 38
Non-action
Wu Wei is non-action. It does without doing, works without working, and talks without talking. It does not speak or call, yet all come to it. It decreases efforts and does not take useless action. It does not seek praise (Dao De Jing, Chapter 24, 48, and 77).
“The Way is ever without action, Yet nothing is left undone.“
Dao De Jing, Chapter 37
Yielding
Wu Wei is the “Virtue of not Contending.” It yields to avoid a reaction. The Law of Aggression states that aggressive acts provokes even more aggression. Wu Wei does not injure but still accomplishes. If you force something you will destroy it. If you grasp something you will lose it (Dao De Jing, Chapter 22, 64, 68, 69, 73, 77 and 81; Taoism: The Parting of the Way, Holmes H. Welch Jr.).
“Heaven’s way does not contend, Yet it certainly triumphs. It does not speak, Yet it certainly answers. It does not summon, Yet things come by themselves.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 73
Government
Wu Wei also applies to the government. The government can press without marching, seize without using weapons, and push without opposing. Leaders should never take power in order to tamper with society. They are not fit to lead. One should never boast and never use violence to attain power (Dao De Jing, Chapters 30, 48, 57, and 69).
“Those who advice the ruler on the Way, Do not want the world subdued with weapons. Such deeds bring on retaliation. Thorn bushes grow where armies have camped. Battles are followed by years of famine. Therefore, good leaders reach solution, and then stop. They do not dare to rely on force.“
Dao De Jing, Chapter 30
Minimal Action
Wu Wei achieves its desired outcome and then stops. It does not force, destroy, or act arrogantly. It does not boast or use violence (Dao De Jing, Chapter 30)
“Solutions without arrogance, Solutions without scorn, Solutions without pride, Solutions without benefit, Solutions without domination.“
Dao De Jing, Chapter 30
Conclusion
Wi Wei is action aligned with the Dao. It never strives and is always easy. It takes action without action. It yields to others to avoid aggression. It guides leaders to accomplish without using violence. It always takes the minimal action and then stops.
Daoism 