One of Chinese oldest thinking was Laozi.
He developed the concept of "Tao", often translated as "the Way", and widened its meaning to an inherent order or property of the universe: "The way Nature is".
He highlighted the concept of wei-wu-wei, or "action through inaction". This does not mean that one should sit around and do nothing, but that one should avoid explicit intentions, strong will, and proactive action; one can reach real efficiency by following the way things spontaneously increase or decrease.
Actions taken in accordance with Tao are easier and more productive than actively attempting to counter it. Laozi believed that violence should be avoided when possible, and that military victory was an occasion to mourn the necessity of using force against another living thing, rather than an occasion for triumphant celebrations.
Similar to the counter arguments put foward by Plato in the Republic on various form of government, the Laozi indicated that codified laws and rules result in society becoming more difficult to manage.
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The Art of War, an ancient Chinese text on military strategy. The book, written by Sun Tzu, a general who lived in the 6th Century BC and contemporary of Confucius, is famed for insights such as: "Winning without fighting is the best strategy of all."
spot-on..cheers
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