Stoicism and Taoism: Two Sides of the Same Coin?

[s/laughter]

For many years Taoism and the Tao Te Ching, as well as the writings of Chuang Tzu, have been very important to me.

In the past few years I started to read the Stoics, and found the similarities between the two philosophies both striking and wonderful.

I see them now as two sides of the same coin. Both philosophies, in my opinion, are aiming at creating the same sort of person. Someone humble, who is detached from the world of opinion, who tries to live a simple and practical existence, taking everything as it comes, and using observation, logic and simple philosophical principles to approach every situation.

Yet, each of the philosophies concentrates on different areas, and for me they complement each other wonderfully. I feel that, through these two philosophies, we can find a unification of Eastern and Western thought.

The Taoists I love for their poetry, and the beauty and humour of their philosophy. Also, they approach the big questions of the Universe, and in my opinion give the best answers in history to what Truth is, and how to commune with it. That is, practicing Wu Wei and seeking to live in harmony with the Tao.

The Stoics I love for their practicality, and their interest in daily life and human relationships. They are more concerned with how to carry yourself on a daily basis and how to maintain an equilibrium with your fellow man, while not being drawn into situations that are petty and base.

Where the Stoics 'lack', so to speak, is in the spiritual or meditative aspect of life, and this is where I find their philosophy so well complemented by the Taoists.

Where the Taoists 'lack' is in the practical, communal, and political aspects of life, and this is where I find their philosophy so well complemented by the Stoics.

I highly recommend, if you are a fan of either philosophy, checking out the writings of the other... You may find an inspiring and wonderful unification of Eastern and Western philosophy, as I have.

[finsternis]

I like the Stoics teaches because it is the best way of dealing with the lack of free will that humans have. But I never though that Taoism was similar.

Thanks for the info, I'll check it out.

[S.L.I.G]

I love both Taoism and Stoicism. I cant agree more with the OP.

[Vizsla]

I think the similarity stems from the way that historically both philosophies were about enabling people to see their place in a society. To realise that they have duties towards the whole. That they can be happy being a part of something greater than themselves.
The west lost this outlook when it rejected the Romance outlook and turned itself over to the Germanic Individualist. This was a great strength. It lead to many great scientific advances. All strengths eventually become weaknesses when inevitably taken to extremes. So it is now.

[bushbush]

never a fan of taoism though, i believe stoicism at least motivates you to do something...taosim has a lot of "ok, let's just chill in life" and do nothing in it.

[Taiji]

'Doing nothing' in the Daoist sense is impossible to actually achieve.

It's like 'balance' and other perfections, to be attempted and improved but not the real goal.

From inactivity we can make the biggest difference in activity, that's just one potential benefit I comprehend.