What is the Taoist concept of non-action called?

The Taoist concept of non-action is called wu wei. The Chinese phrase 無為 literally suggests “non-doing” or “not acting,” but it does not mean simple laziness or complete passivity.

In Daoist thought, wu wei means acting without forceful interference—responding to circumstances in a way that follows the natural pattern of the Dao. The ideal action is spontaneous, economical, and unstrained, like water flowing around an obstacle. The concept is especially associated with the Daodejing and Zhuangzi.

Wu wei also had a political meaning: a wise ruler should avoid excessive intervention and allow society to develop with minimal coercion. This is why “effortless action” is often a better explanatory translation than “inaction.”

The common mix-up is with yin and yang, which describes complementary forces, and qi, which refers to vital energy. De means virtue or power, not non-action.