The Wu Wei approach to conflict-solving can be seen in the practice of the Taoist martial art T’ai Chi Chuan, the basic idea of which is to wear the opponent out either by sending his energy back at him or by deflecting it away, in order to weaken his power, balance, and position-for-defence. Never is force opposed with force; instead it is overcome with yielding.

The Wu Wei principle underlying T’ai Chi Chuan can be understood by striking at a piece of cork floating in the water. The harder you hit it, the more it yields: the more it yields, the harder it bounces back. Without expending energy, the cork can easily wear you out. So, Wu Wei overcomes force by neutralizing its power, rather than by adding to the conflict. With other approaches, you may fight fire with fire, but with Wu Wei, you fight fire with water.