Read the Theoretical Orientation of Contemporary Neo-Taoism written by Mr. Zhao Weidong. There is a passage in it that says:
Taoism always adheres to a weak, humble and inaction attitude towards life and plays a therapeutic social role. Recently, however, some scholars who advocate contemporary neo-Taoism have tried to transform Taoism into a "philosophy of the strong" in order to highlight the life value and social function of Taoism. Obviously, Mr. Hu () strongly opposes taking Taoism as "the philosophy of the weak" and emphasizes the initiative and practicality of Taoism, but what is the difference between Taoism and Confucianism?
After reading this, I privately think that Mr. Zhao didn't really understand the true meaning of Taoist thought. From Dong Zhongshu, he consciously or unconsciously (but I think it is intentional) followed the positioning given to Taoism by the ruling class. It seems that Taoism can only be weak, uncompromising, unscrupulous and humble. Therefore, this kind of consciousness gives the world the feeling that Taoism is stuck in the mountains and is the spiritual home of those who have failed in their careers and lives, leaving room for retirement.
Mr. Zhao, who told you that Taoism can only be the philosophy of the weak?
If Mr. Zhao's research on Taoist thought is not based on the popular version of Tao Te Ching, but on the silk version of Tao Te Ching in the Han Dynasty, and then comprehensively studies other Taoists, especially Taoist articles, I think the above remarks are too arbitrary.
The eighth chapter of the silk book "Classic of Virtue and Taoism" is popular now. The real essence of "water is good for all things without dispute" is "good at water control" Water is good for everything and there is peace. "How to understand the difference between these three words, but the result is absurd? I have read Mr. Xiong Chunjin's exposition, which is extended to an expression of human feng shui. Let's say this is a family statement, but I beg to differ. The Classic of Virtue and Taoism is not a book that exalts self-cultivation, but a theory of governing the country. It deliberately guides self-cultivation, which is too small for Laozi. My personal understanding is that in Laozi's philosophy, water, as a symbol of energy from soft to hard, is the highest level of Laozi's ideal management of the world. As the saying goes, "one yin and one yang are the Tao", there is only "indisputable" that blindly retreats regardless of reality. This is not Tai Chi wisdom, but a Q-style way for villains to survive, and it is a misinterpretation of Taoist thoughts of alienation, dwarfism and ugliness. You can also say.