Taoism starts and ends with the observation of nature. Where science observes nature objectively (separate from the observer), Taoism observes nature subjectively, in which the observer and the observed are part of the same entire system. There is no "just us" or "just nature." We are all part of the same system.

Dynamic Balance

Just because we are all one, it does not mean that distinction does not exist. Just because there is distinction, however, does not mean there has to be opposition. There are always two basic distinctions in nature, symbolized by the yin and yang. Taoism sees balance as the basic characteristic underlying these distinctions. One example is chaos and order. Balance brings them together.

Cyclical Growth

Yin and yang not only balance each other, they also complement each other in cycles. After chaos must come order, and eventually order must be followed by chaos. The moon must replace the sun just as the sun eventually replaces the moon. Everywhere in nature, you will see these basic cycles.

Harmonious Action

Taoists believe that because these seemingly opposite entities are actually balanced and work together through the cycles, you can actually produce one from the other. An example is the bamboo stick. When it is faced with a strong wind, it overcomes the wind by yielding to it. If it were stiff, it would break because it's so brittle, but because it yields, it overcomes. Thus, weakness produces strength, and strength produces weakness.