Motifs: An International Journal of English Studies

Taoism is a religious and philosophical tradition of Chinese people which focuses on living in the harmony of the Tao which means the way. ‘Lao Tzu’ also called Laozi, meaning ‘old master’ is regarded as one of the founders of Taoism. He was an ancient writer and Chinese philosopher. He is the reputed author of Tao Te Ching and a deity in religious Taoism.

Taoism emphasis on the fact that ‘we are not doing anything, we are just being done’. Knowing that there is some power, divine force, something which is greater than us which is guiding us through everything which we are doing in our life. Lao Tzu called this power or force the Tao which is everywhere, there is no place where it is not, yet it is doing nothing and leaves nothing undone. There is a mystery that makes it more interesting to the people who are believers of the Taoism, a mystery which make things easy, as it is also said that our faith, our believe is what move mountains and it is our doubts that will create them.

Whereas Robert Browning who was a Victorian poet, was regarded as a sage and a philosopher. His philosophy is very simple yet significant. This article shows that the philosophies of Browning and Taoism are very similar in every way, these both philosophies are very ancient, yet they are still relevant today. People are following them even though they both came from such different times. Taoism came 500 years before the birth of Christ, where as Robert Browning was a Victorian Poet (1812–1889), yet their teachings are helping the world to be a better place. There is an awareness in their teachings that is making people to reflect, meditate in their lives and with this awareness, people are making good choices by living a balanced, Taoist life.