Contrasts the teachings of Laozi with respect to government intervention with the lingering effects of Mao Zedong's legacy
In writing the Dao De Jing [Lao Tzu] argued that if governments followed the principle of wu‐wei (non‐action), social and economic harmony would naturally emerge and people would prosper. The essence of this liberal vision is concisely stated in Chapter 57: "The more restrictions and limitations there are, the more impoverished men will be ... The more rules and precepts are enforced, the more bandits and crooks will be produced. Hence, we have the words of the wise [ruler]: Through my non‐action, men are spontaneously transformed. Through my quiescence, men spontaneously become tranquil ..."