Special Edition: Taoism 🧘⛩️🪷

This week, we will explore the history of great ideas and scratch the surface of one of the most fascinating philosophical traditions the world has ever seen. Below, I will break down the philosophical tradition of Taoism into three main pillars of its teachings to bring you closer to the origins of the good life. Let’s travel back to 4th-century BCE China, explore the original text, Tao Te Ching, and dive right in.

Today’s word count: 646

Estimated read time: 4 min 38 sec.

Pillar 1:

The Tao (道) – The Way

The Tao is the fundamental principle of Taoism—an indescribable force that flows through everything in the universe. Rather than being a deity or a specific rule, it represents the natural order and the source of all existence. The Tao is beyond human comprehension, yet it can be experienced by living in harmony with nature, embracing change, and allowing things to unfold naturally.

How often have you realized that you are not acting in harmony with nature—your own nature? In those moments, what thoughts or reasons led you to act against yourself?

Sadly, over time, humanity has drifted away from harmony with nature and, in turn, from itself. We have become increasingly disconnected from the world around us, including other people. Whether through technology, busy lives, or social media, we often seek a false sense of meaningful connection. Yet, at the end of the day, true connection is exactly what our souls long for.

Pillar 2:

Wu Wei (无为) – Effortless Action

Wu Wei translates to "non-action" or "effortless action." It doesn’t mean doing nothing but rather acting in harmony with the natural flow of life—without unnecessary force or resistance.

It encourages spontaneity and adaptability, like water flowing around obstacles rather than trying to break through them. In practical terms, Wu Wei suggests that the best actions arise naturally rather than through excessive effort or forceful control.

As a former professional athlete, I can completely relate to this second pillar of Taoism. It’s difficult to tell someone under maximal physical tension to relax. Yet, it is precisely this relaxation that leads to the most powerful state of the human mind—the flow. In this state, time and space cease to have the same meaning, and you become fully immersed in the task at hand.

Enjoy the deed. No need for excessive effort or forceful control.

Pillar 3:

Yin-Yang (阴阳) – Balance and Duality

The yin-yang symbol represents the idea that opposites are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world.

• Yin (阴) – The dark, passive, receptive, feminine aspect.

• Yang (阳) – The bright, active, assertive, masculine aspect.

Rather than being in conflict, these forces complement each other and create harmony. Taoism teaches that embracing both aspects leads to balance in life. For example, day and night, rest and activity, strength and softness all exist as part of a greater whole.

Modern society places excessive emphasis on yang—active, masculine energy—often at the expense of balance. We are expected to push through every obstacle, work relentlessly to succeed, and, if we take an alternative approach, risk being labeled as weak, unmotivated, or lazy. Recognizing this trend is crucial. Strive to restore balance within yourself. A well-balanced individual will always go further than one who is out of sync.

Take a moment today to reflect on your day-to-day life and consider in which aspects you might be going out of sync with yourself. It’s natural to find ourselves at different points on the spectrum at various moments. This is absolutely normal. However, reflecting on it and understanding whether it’s a one-time occurrence or if you’re consistently leaning toward one extreme or the other is important. In which areas of your life are you balanced, and in which ones are you not so much?

Love you, Igor