Wu Wei
A Taoist principle that generally translates to "action without action".
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Book Notes
- Definition: The ability to hold back, to wait until the perfect time.
- Example: A long distance running will not succeed if they try to sprint the whole distance.
- Insight: You can't solve problems (maze) by rushing. You have to stop and think.
- Insight: You can't do everything with your full attention and energy.
- Principle: Stop and think.
- Principle: Get better at saying no.
- Reference: Ancient China: action-less activity was viewed as one of the highest virtues.
- Reference: Wisdom of Eastern martial arts: don't resist the opponents force.
- Insight: Nonresistance doesn't necessarily mean doing nothing.
- Insight: Doing nothing can mean inner nonresistance and an intense alertness.
- Reference: Taoism: "action without action".
- Insight: Effortless action is a way to achieve focus, to be effect, and respond to situations with economy of effort.
- Insight: The principle of wu wei in Taoism is particularly strong in the matter of respecting nature.
- Reference: "The Way is constantly without doing, yet nothing is not done."
- Definition: Wu: "without". Wei: "do" or "act". We Wei: "without action".
- Insight: The goal of this philosophy is to accomplish what matters by trying to do less, not more.
Key Insights & Principles
Life Advice & Decision Making
- Problems are not solved by rushing, solutions require pause and thought.
- Resisting an opposing force requires that you match or better that force.
- Inaction requires the force of inner strength, focus, and alertness.
- Stop and think before acting.
- Say "no" more often, and get better at it.
- Aim to accomplish goals with less.
