Singularity Ready: Assessing Taoism as a singularity life philosophy

We explore various philosophies and its principles to assess their appropriateness as guides in these accelerating exponential times

Taoism, also known as Daoism, is a Chinese philosophical, ethical, and spiritual belief system that dates back to the 4th century BCE.

It is based on the teachings of Laozi, the legendary author of the Daodejing, and Zhuangzi, another influential Taoist philosopher.

The central concept of Taoism is the Tao or Dao, which is the natural, spontaneous, and eternal cosmic force that flows through all things.

Taoism emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao, embracing simplicity, humility, and inner peace.

It also upholds the principles of balance and harmony through the complementary forces of Yin and Yang.

Philosophy Principles:

Tao (The Way) - The ultimate principle that pervades the entire universe and guides its natural flow.
Yin and Yang - The complementary and interconnected forces representing balance and harmony in the universe.
Wu-wei (Non-action) - The concept of effortless action or non-interference, aligning with the natural course of events.
Ziran (Spontaneity) - Embodying the natural, spontaneous, and self-so state of the universe.
Simplicity and Humility - Emphasizing a simple, humble, and unpretentious way of life.

Taoism offers valuable insights for living a balanced and harmonious life amidst the accelerating exponential change leading up to the singularity.

However, some of its principles might be too abstract or vague for practical application in a rapidly evolving, technologically advanced society.

Principle	Branch	Singularity Score	Reason	Criticism
Tao (The Way)	Metaphysics	+70	Encourages adaptability and harmony with the natural order, which can be helpful in rapidly changing times.	May be too vague or abstract for practical application in a technologically advanced society.
Yin and Yang	Ethics	+60	Promotes balance and harmony in life, which can be beneficial during periods of rapid change and uncertainty.	May not directly address the specific challenges posed by exponential technological growth.
Wu-wei	Ethics	+50	Emphasizes the importance of aligning with the natural flow, potentially helping individuals adapt to change.	Might not be sufficient for navigating the complexities of a post-singularity world.
Ziran	Aesthetics	+40	Encourages spontaneity and going with the flow, which could be useful in unpredictable environments.	May not provide adequate guidance for making informed decisions in a technologically complex world.
Simplicity	Social Politics	+30	Advocates a simple and humble lifestyle, which can foster inner peace during turbulent times.	May conflict with the increasing complexity and interconnectedness of life during the approach to singularity.