Huang-Lao school

The Huang-Lao school is an ancient Chinese philosophical tradition combining ideas from the Yellow Emperor (Huangdi) and Laozi, emphasizing harmony with nature, natural order, and minimal government intervention. It advocates for aligning human life with the natural world, promoting simplicity, inner cultivation, and non-action (wu wei). Historically, it influenced early Chinese governance, emphasizing pragmatic governance and balance between human authority and natural laws. This school blends natural philosophy with practical political thought, shaping early Chinese political and spiritual ideas without dismissing other schools of thought.