Final answer:
For the Daoists, wu wei, natural spontaneity, is the very characteristic attribute of the Dao and should be always imitated. By practicing wu wei, one can act in harmony with the dao, be free of desire and striving, and spontaneously move with the natural flow of existence. Daoism emphasizes the importance of surrendering attempts to understand and control nature and instead recommends moving with the current of the natural way of things.
Step-by-step explanation:
For the Daoists, wu wei, natural spontaneity, is the very characteristic attribute of the Dao and should be always imitated. It is a natural way of acting that is spontaneous or immediate. When you practice wu wei, you act in harmony with the dao, you are free of desire and of striving, and you spontaneously move with the natural flow of existence. Being in a state of nonaction, softness, and flow allows one to be spontaneous and reactive to circumstances. Spontaneity is another characteristic of someone who follows the dao: 'To be sparse in speech is to be spontaneous.' The Daoists instruct one to surrender their attempts to understand and control nature to be in harmony with the dao. In Daoism, the dao is often translated as 'the way.' It represents the natural way of the universe and all things. Daoists recommend moving with the current of the natural way of things, accepting things as they are, and finding balance and harmony with the dao. Practicing wu wei and imitating natural spontaneity is key to this way of life.