The Historical Origins and Value Significance of Laozi's Governance Theory and the Huang-Lao Taoism's Corrections to it

Li Youguang

Thought & Culture ›› 2025, Vol. 25 ›› Issue (36) : 72-83.

PDF(1177 KB)
PDF(1177 KB)
Thought & Culture ›› 2025, Vol. 25 ›› Issue (36) : 72-83.

The Historical Origins and Value Significance of Laozi's Governance Theory and the Huang-Lao Taoism's Corrections to it

  • Li Youguang
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Abstract

The text of Laozi contains rich governance theories that reflect contents, characteristics, and meanings distinct from traditional political and educational theories. Laozi's governance theory is a political governance theory based on the value of the Tao, focusing on the idea of the sage ruling the world through Wuwei (无为), utilizing Ruo(弱), and preserving the natural authenticity of the people's nature as its purpose, The formation of this political governance theory was inspired by ancient experiences in flood control and had practical implications for correcting the political failures of the late Spring and Autumn period, possessing certain realistic relevance and theoretical rationality. However, due to the intensifying power struggles among kings, royal families, and noble families during the Warring States period, the later Huang-Lao Taoism intentionally revised the shortcomings of Laozi's governance theory regarding its idealism and operability, thereby allowing the revised Taoist governance theory to enter a new phase capable of participating in real politics.

Key words

wisdom in flood control / Laozi's governance theory / Sage ruling the world / Huang-Lao Taoism's Corrections

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Li Youguang. The Historical Origins and Value Significance of Laozi's Governance Theory and the Huang-Lao Taoism's Corrections to it[J]. Thought & Culture. 2025, 25(36): 72-83
PDF(1177 KB)

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