Huainanzi - Entry 2

To blame the Tao for not working while we are living in a polluted world is like tying down a unicorn from two directions and expecting it to run a thousand miles.
~ a passage from The Book of Leadership and Strategy by Thomas Cleary ~

Sometimes, when we say that everything that is represents a manifestation of Tao, some folks think that anything we do is an expression of the Way. If we choose to go left, straight or right, each choice is okay. If we act positively or negatively, it's all part of the sphere of Tao.

What I think the Chinese Masters are trying to say is that not every choice made is congruent with Tao. There is a natural and organic order to the universe, but we humans have a propensity to attempt thwart that order.

A river flows according to its internal nature and what we call the laws of science. However, when humans erect dams, we impede the natural flow. In many instances, the river loses its internal constitution and is forced to behave in a manner that is inconsistent with how the river would behave were their no blockade.

While I believe it's true that Tao "wins out" in the end, we humans can and do muck up the natural order of life in the short-term.

To read the introduction to this ongoing series, go here.