The Tao Te Ching, as a classic work of ancient Chinese philosophy, still holds extensive practical value in modern society due to its theoretical wisdom. The following is a detailed explanation of the theory of the Tao Te Ching and its practical application in modern times:

1、 Theory of the Tao Te Ching
Core concepts: Dao and De
Dao “is the core concept in the Tao Te Ching, representing the origin of the universe and the laws of all things. Laozi believed that the “Dao” is intangible, formless, and indescribable, but it is the root of all things’ growth and the rules of their operation.
Virtue “is a concrete manifestation of” Dao “and a code of conduct that people should follow in their daily lives. Laozi emphasized that cultivating oneself and managing one’s family through “virtue” can achieve inner peace and social harmony.

govern by doing nothing that goes against nature
Laozi advocates “governing by inaction”, which means following the laws of nature and not acting recklessly. He believes that rulers or leaders should reduce human intervention and allow things to develop according to their natural laws.
This ideology emphasizes respecting objective laws, reducing the imposition of subjective will, in order to achieve long-term social stability.

dialectical thinking
The Tao Te Ching contains rich dialectical thinking, such as “existence and non existence arise from each other, difficulty and ease complement each other, length and weakness complement each other, and high and low complement each other”.
Laozi recognized the interdependence and transformation relationship between things, emphasizing the need to view problems comprehensively and objectively.
Weakness triumphs over strength

Laozi advocates softness and believes that softness is better than strength. He advocates using softness to overcome hardness, taking retreat as progress, and resolving conflicts through adaptation and compliance.

2、 The Practical Application of the Tao Te Ching in Modern Times

business management
In enterprise management, the concept of “governing by doing nothing” can be transformed into respecting employees’ autonomy and creativity, giving them full trust and autonomy.
Leaders should reduce unnecessary intervention and control, allowing employees to unleash their potential and creativity, thereby stimulating the team’s innovative spirit and work efficiency.
Meanwhile, dialectical thinking helps enterprises to comprehensively and objectively view market changes and competitive situations, and formulate more scientific and reasonable strategies and decisions.

National governance
In national governance, the concept of “governing by inaction” can be transformed into respecting social laws and the will of the people, reducing excessive government intervention and control.
The government should be committed to optimizing the market environment, improving the legal system, and safeguarding people’s rights and interests, so that society can develop according to its natural laws.
Meanwhile, dialectical thinking helps the government to comprehensively and objectively view social issues and development trends, and formulate policies and measures that are more in line with the actual situation and the needs of the people.

Personal cultivation
The concept of “virtue” in the Tao Te Ching has important guiding significance for personal cultivation. By cultivating oneself and improving one’s character and abilities, people can better adapt to changes in society and life.
At the same time, the concept of “softness triumphs over strength” also inspires people to maintain a calm and rational attitude when facing difficulties and challenges, and to resolve conflicts and problems through adaptation and compliance.

international relation
In international relations, the concept of “Dao follows nature” in the Tao Te Ching can be translated into respecting the sovereignty and interests of all countries, following international law and norms, and handling international affairs through peaceful, cooperative, and win-win means.
At the same time, dialectical thinking helps countries to comprehensively and objectively view the international situation and relationships between countries, and formulate more scientific and reasonable foreign policies and strategies.

The theoretical wisdom in the Tao Te Ching has broad application value in modern society. Whether in the fields of enterprise management, national governance, personal cultivation, or international relations, wisdom and inspiration can be drawn from the Tao Te Ching.