wu wei

noun

ˈwüˈwā
: the practice advocated by Taoism of letting one's action follow the simple and spontaneous course of nature (as by keeping to a minimum governmental organization and regulation) rather than interfering with the harmonious working of universal law by imposing arbitrary and artificial forms : doing or making nothing except in conformity to the Tao

Word History

Etymology

Chinese (Pekingese) wu2 wei2, literally, not to act

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Cite this Entry

“Wu wei.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wu%20wei. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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