The Supreme Goodness is Like Water

Abstract

In China, there are mainly two philosophies that had tremendous impact on our civilization, which are Confucianism and Taoism. Taoism is the only belief system native to China, which had a grander perspective, about the relationship among the universe and human as well as human and human. The most important literature of Taoism is Tao Te Ching. The main doctrines of Tao Te Ching include: a natural state of being and Non-action.To Laozi, the way of water is completely different from the way of people with desire. As the source of life, water nourishes all living things on Earth. Water contributes to the world without regard for gain of loss. Remaining low, level, and quiet, water embraces and reflects everything under heaven. Water is invincible because it desires nothing and contends for nothing. It’s soft but not weak, instead, it’s full of strength. Water has three important virtues we can learn from, Which is “H₂O”——humility, harmony and openness. The influence of Taoism lies in every single aspect of Chinese culture, such as traditional Chinese painting, music and Taiji(an ancient but popular Chinese self-defense art). Beyond that, Taoism has broken the boundaries of nations and attracted global attention and recognition. Of all ages, Taoist ideas have invested Chinese culture and art with a unique tone and an aesthetic beauty that emphasize inner spirit rather than outward forms.