A question about Taoism & Chinese isolationism

[justiniano]

similarly to how Mao's regime was unofficially Legalist, am I wrong in thinking that China's Isolationist regimes were unofficially Taoist? It seems like this to me, because Taoism is almost doing nothing, and isolationism (in the way Chinese regimes did it) is doing nothing with the outside world.


A central tenet of Taoism is the concept of "wu wei," which translates to "effortless action" or "non-action." Taoists believe in living in harmony with the natural flow of the universe, rather than trying to actively control or manipulate it. Some Taoists have historically practiced a degree of withdrawal from society, seeking solitude and contemplation in natural settings.China has experienced several periods of isolationism throughout its history, such as the Ming dynasty's "Haijin" maritime restrictions and the Qing dynasty's self-imposed seclusion. Chinese isolationism was often driven by a desire to maintain political control, protect cultural traditions, and limit foreign influence. Considering both Taoism and isolationist regimes in China emphasize a certain degree of withdrawal from the outside world (albeit for different reasons) I think this is a rational observation. 

I acknowledge that I could be wrong since Taoism's withdrawal is primarily philosophical and spiritual, while isolationism in China was often driven by political and strategic considerations, as Taoists may have sought solitude and contemplation, they did not necessarily advocate for complete isolation from the outside world. Isolationist regimes in China, on the other hand, often implemented strict policies to limit foreign contact and influence.

[Max Sinister]

There might be a connection, but I'm no expert.

[stevep]

   Like Max I don't know enough about Taoism or Chinese history and culture to say but there could well be at least a contributing factor here.  I've generally got the idea that the political and economic isolationism in Chinese history has been more marked by a sense - or at least claim - of superiority and not needing anything from outside.  Which could have been motivated in part by fear of foreign 'ideas' which would prompt questioning of the legitimately of the current dynasty/establishment.  Whether a Taoism that is more personally motivated, in a hermit type stance to use a western comparison would fit in that well in a central political system that expresses a political isolation of the state as a whole.

  I'm also aware that there were similar cases of deliberate isolationism in E China, such as Japan during the Shogunate and North Korea in the modern era but whether there were similar religious or cultural motives there I again don't know enough.