Last time when I was reflecting about whether I am closer to Tao or Confucius way in life, I ended my article at quite controversial (You can find my first article about this here:https://www.serapozcalici.com/which-one-are-you-closer-to-confucius-or-tao-way-1-2/)
At this second part of my article, I would like to be more specific. I would like to share some tips to evaluate yourself also if you want to do so.

While thinking about Tao, the first teaching that comes to mind is: go with the flow”. Most explain it with a river example. Let’s say you are in a river, you just let yourself with the flow without any opposite movements against the river, you do not resist the flow but you go with the river wherever it takes you. If you resist or go against the flow, you spend unnecessary energy.
In my daily life, I like to go with the flow. Especially during weekends and holidays, I do not plan the details of the day but do what I want to do. I go outside and find myself in another city exploring the streets and cafes.
But I do not like to just lie down and do nothing, I like to live it to the fullest. Sometimes I like to do a little bit planning to allow me to live it to the fullest, since if I just go with the flow, I feel that I did not spend a valuable time. Confucius way.
In my work life, I have a very result-oriented approach, pushing things through. Then I realized, forcing things do not always work. I understood it is necessary to assess the “surroundings (stakeholders’ needs, changes in the business etc., timing)” to be able to get things done especially during transformations. I learned the importance of getting people prepared through influencing, get them onboard and drive results naturally with and through them. This is quite like Tao way, isn’t it?
On the other hand, if you would ask my managers and my colleagues, I am sure that they would find me very structured and prepared in advance. I certainly do not let it go. I like to build processes because then I can implement it every time with less effort and use the extra effort to continuously improve processes. That is certainly closer to Confucius.
Let me summarize:
Tao Style | Confucius Style |
Go with the flow… “When there is no desire, all things are at peace.” | Plan before you start acting: “If your plan is for one year plant rice. If your plan is for ten years plant trees. If your plan is for one hundred years, educate children.” |
Let it be… “If you try to change it, you will ruin it. Try to hold it, and you will lose it.” | Make sure it goes as planned “When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals; adjust the action steps.” |
Harmony through flow of Yin and Yang No need for artificial standards, these artificial standards interrupt the natural flow of life “Countless words count less than the silent balance between yin and yang” | Harmony through principles, procedures “If we care about how to live together as best we can, then we need to be able to cultivate shared practices of ritual to ensure that our collective lives are harmonious.” |
Finding the path of least resistance “If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to.” | Hard work and diligence “It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop” |
Learn through observing nature “Trying to understand is like straining through muddy water. Have the patience to wait! Be still and allow the mud to settle.” | Learn through formal education “He who excels in study can follow an official career.” |
Authority is not highlighted. “A leader is best when people barely know he exists of a good leader, who talks little, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, They will say, ‘We did this ourselves.'” | Respect to authority is crucial “Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts?” “If you govern them by means of virtue (de) and keep order among them by ritual (li), people will gain their own sense of shame and correct themselves.” |
I shared both doctrines and how I relate to them in a nutshell. At the end, there is not simple final answer to our sarcastic discussions with Alp. Just like one of my dear friends said: “our reflections might change according to situations”. I have both Tao and Confucius styles in me, but I feel like I am moving towards Tao influence with age.
I hope that you enjoyed it and join the journey with me by examining and exploring yourselves. I would love to hear your reflections about which one you would feel closer to, Tao or Confucius way.
Resources:
Ancient History Encyclopedia
Alp Saldamli, Lectures on “Bilgeligin Pesinde”
What is Tao (Tao Nedir)? / Alan Watts
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/confucius/
What is Tao (Tao Nedir)? / Alan Watts
https://personaltao.com/taoism/becoming-taoist/¨
https://www.theelginavenue.com/why-go-with-the-flow-is-the-ultimate-de-stressing-mantra.html
Going with the Flow: The Tao Made Easy
https://kidadl.com/quotes/tao-te-ching-quotes-from-the-religious-chinese-text