The Way Follows Nature
This concept was first outlined in The Classic of the Way and Virtue (Dao De Jing). According to Laozi, Dao (Way) is the original source of the ontological existence of all things and beings, the driving force and ruler of how things move and change, and the manager of rules and norms to be followed in life. The Way creates everything yet it does not intervene in or command anything. Rather, it shows great respect and tolerance for all things it has created and allows them to take their own natural course.
In the political sphere, the Daoists advocated non-action (Wuwei). Non-action does not mean doing nothing. Rather, it requires rulers to leverage the initiative of the people instead of imposing their will on them or interfering too much. Today, this Daoist wisdom is manifested in China's advocacy of a new concept of development featuring innovation, coordination, greenness, openness, and shared results, China's respect for the principal role and pioneering spirit of the people, and China's endeavors to build modernization characterized by harmonious coexistence between man and nature.
道法自然
道法自然出自《道德经》。老子认为“道”不仅是天地万物的最初本源，而且是事物运动、变化的动力和规律， 也是人生应当遵循的准则和规范。“道”高度尊重和包容它所创造的万物，并不干涉和控制万物，而是顺应万物的自然而然状态。
基于道法自然的理念，道家在政治领域主张执政者“无为”。“无为”并不是无所事事，而是要求执政者充分尊重民众的自主活动，不要以主观意志过多地控制或干扰民众。中国倡导创新、协调、绿色、开放、共享的新发展理念，强调尊重人民群众主体地位和首创精神，努力建设人与自然和谐共生的现代化，均体现了道法自然的传统智慧。
