Abstract：To summarize Laozi's political thought as a kind of art of imperial governance is a na?ve oversimplification and has been criticized by numerous scholars. In fact, Laozi's political philosophy has "the way of heaven (tiandao)" as its highest principle, which revolves around the concepts of "ziran" and "wuwei" . To Laozi, the meaning of ziran contains two levels: that of the "original ziran" and that of the "self-conscious ziran" . The former reflects a respect for the nature of things, while the latter emphasizes human subjectivity and agency. Human freedom is doubtless limited; absolute freedom is nonexistent and unattainable. Wuwei means precisely the normalization of ziran, an imposition of restriction on free will and administrative power. Ideal governance may be attained by the governor's use of wuwei, which indeed promotes ziran among the governed. Laozi's political philosophy of ziran and wuwei deeply influenced contemporary political practice and was widely used and admired by many politicians of the time.
2015, Vol. 32 
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