--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: But Taoism must on no account be…" description: "\"“But Taoism must on no account be understood as a revolution against convention, although it has sometimes been used as a pretext for revolution. Taois..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/366/alan-wilson-watts-4665_quote_but-taoism-must-on-no-account-be-underst_345556.jpg" --- # But Taoism must on no account be understood as a… ![“But Taoism must on no account be understood as a revolution against convention, although it has sometimes been used as a pretext for revolution. Taoism is a way of liberation, which never comes by means of revolution, since it is notorious that most revolutions establish worse tyrannies than they…” quote by Alan Wilson Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/366/alan-wilson-watts-4665_quote_but-taoism-must-on-no-account-be-underst_345556.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/366/alan-wilson-watts-4665_quote_but-taoism-must-on-no-account-be-underst_345556.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/366/alan-wilson-watts-4665_quote_but-taoism-must-on-no-account-be-underst_345556.jpg) > ““But Taoism must on no account be understood as a revolution against convention, although it has sometimes been used as a pretext for revolution. Taoism is a way of liberation, which never comes by means of revolution, since it is notorious that most revolutions establish worse tyrannies than they destroy. To be free from convention is not to spurn it but not to be deceived by it. It is to be able to use it as an instrument instead of being used by it.”” [Alan Wilson Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-wilson-watts/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Taoism seeks personal freedom through understanding, not through overthrowing existing structures. **In simple terms:** Freedom comes from insight, not rebellion. Key Takeaway Cultivate awareness to use conventions wisely. Themes freedom philosophy liberation convention Mood reflective calm Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - personal growth - leadership - social reform - conflict resolution Key Concepts Taoism instrumentalism nonviolent change Questions to Reflect On - How can you transform existing rules into tools? - When is challenging a tradition necessary? A Different Perspective Revolution can create new oppression; non‑violent insight may be slower. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Heaven and earth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/heaven-and-earth/) [Taoism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/taoism/) ## Related quotes > [The essence of Taoism is really expressed by these few words. Taoism is the way of the child, the way of the fool, the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/the-essence-of-taoism-is-really-expressed-by-these-few-words-taoism/) [Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/) > [“For Lao-tzu’s Taoism is the philosophical equivalent of jujitsu, or judo, which means the way of gentleness. 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Stay centered within the Tao.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/the-great-way-is-easy-yet-people-prefer-the-side-paths-be-aware-when/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [If Heaven and Earth are unable to persist, how could man?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/if-heaven-and-earth-are-unable-to-persist-how-could-man/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [If you are interested in Taoism, I would suggest that you read the Way of Life by Lao Tsu, the founder of Taoism. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/if-you-are-interested-in-taoism-i-would-suggest-that-you-read-the-way/) [Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/) > [Why is the tao so valuable? Because it is everywhere, and everyone can use it. 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