The Inspiration Of Dao De Jing For Solving Thle Current Ecological Problems In The Eyes Of A Foreigner

In the history of Chinese philosophy,Laozi stands as one of the important figures.He is often considered to be the source of Chinese daoist wisdom.Currently,he is becoming more and more inspirational in the Western world,too.Although his work belongs to the past,but it can create a great impact on current society.Regardless of time period or nationality,anyone can find much wisdom in Dao De Jing,and make changes in their lives.Many people in contemporary society are searching for a new outlook that would bring a different understanding of life on earth.As a result of global effort for rapid economic and industrial development,we have encountered a new problem.Currently,the global environment is facing an ecological crisis,solution of which is the responsibility of all humans.In this aspect,modern humanity needs to reestablish our relationship with nature,and find will and inspiration to live the kind of life that does not contradict or prey on nature surrounding us.While the Western way of thinking has been mostly anthropocentric,the Chinese tradition puts nature above humans.Throughout the history of Chinese philosophy,the concept of unity of humans with nature has been playing an important role.It has roots in ancient agrarian society,and the strong dependence of the ancestors on nature.Laozi and his Dao De Jing discuss a wide range of themes,a significant part of which is cosmology.His concept of Dao represents the organic processes in the universe,in which everything transforms from yin to yang,from non-being to being and vice versa.With his natural approach,Laozi is an excellent inspiration for modern people to adapt an ecologically friendly lifestyle.Laozi’s principles,such as wu-wei,suggest not only a state of mind,but also the course of action we choose in our daily lives.The aim of this paper is to explore the principle of unity with nature in Laozi’s Dao De Jing’ as well as emphasize its ecological wisdom that the modern humanity urgently needs.For better understanding of Laozi’s thought,the paper will firstly introduce the main features of Chinese philosophy,and secondly explain the historical background:the Xia,Shang and Zhou dynasties.Afterwards,the paper will present the main principles of Laozi’s thought,followed by a discussion of the thirty seven chapters of the first part,Dao Jing.Through interpretation of Dao Jing,the main goal is to find wisdom that can be inspirational for dealing with the current environmental crisis.