What If I Become an Atheist? Finding Answers in Taoist Wisdom

At different stages of life, our understanding of the world often evolves. Some may find themselves gradually leaning toward atheism at a certain point. When facing such shifts in perception, there’s no need for anxiety or confusion. The wisdom embedded in Chinese Taoist thought may offer us a peaceful guide.

1. Embrace Cognitive Shifts: Taoism’s “Go with the Flow” Aids Acceptance

A core Taoist principle is “Go with the Flow,” advocating respect for the objective laws governing all things and avoiding forced opposition to one’s true nature. When we recognize ourselves as atheists, the first step is to accept this change. There’s no need to doubt ourselves because our beliefs differ from others, nor to suppress our genuine understanding to please external expectations.

Daoism teaches that all things in the world are in constant flux, and human beliefs are no exception. The journey from believing in deities to embracing atheism is not an “error,” but a natural evolution of one’s understanding shaped by experience and knowledge. Like the changing seasons or the cycle of day and night, each stage holds its own significance. Accepting this transformation allows us to face life with greater ease, avoiding the drain of internal conflict and struggle.

2. Drawing from Taoism’s “Honor the Tao and Cherish Virtue” to Uphold Inner Moral Compass

Becoming an atheist does not mean losing behavioral guidelines or spiritual anchors. Taoism emphasizes “Honor the Tao and Cherish Virtue,” where ‘Tao’ represents the fundamental laws of the universe, and “Virtue” signifies the moral norms and behavioral standards formed by following the Tao. For atheists, while no longer believing in supernatural forces, we can still draw strength from “Honoring the Tao and Valuing Virtue” to uphold our inner moral baseline.

In daily life, moral qualities like honesty, respecting elders and caring for the young, and being helpful to others are not only advocated by Taoism but also universally recognized values in human society. We need not rely on divine “supervision” to restrain ourselves. Instead, we can internalize “respecting the Dao and valuing virtue” as a conscious guide for our actions, treating people and matters around us with kindness and responsibility. This moral perspective, rooted in respect for life and society, equally fills our lives with meaning.

3. Practicing Taoism: “Life is Practice,” Living a Fulfilling Life

Daoism does not advocate detaching from reality to pursue an elusive “liberation.” Instead, it holds that “life itself is cultivation.” Whether navigating daily necessities like food and shelter, tackling workplace challenges, or nurturing relationships, each experience offers opportunities for self-improvement and deeper life insights. For atheists, this philosophy holds particular value.

We can channel our energy into concrete aspects of life: approaching every task with diligence, realizing self-worth through value creation; devote heartfelt companionship to family and friends, finding warmth in emotional connection; cultivate personal interests, gaining inner fulfillment through beloved pursuits. Just as Taoists seek life’s perfection through alchemy and health cultivation, atheists can make life rich and meaningful by tending to every detail of daily existence. Instead of agonizing over “where we go after death,” focus on “how to live brilliantly in the present”— This embodies the Taoist wisdom of “living in the present.”

Becoming an atheist is not an endpoint, but the beginning of a new stage of life’s understanding. By drawing from Taoist thought—the accepting mindset of “going with the flow,” the moral steadfastness of “honoring the Tao and valuing virtue,” and the practical wisdom that “life is practice”—we can confidently live a remarkable life of our own on this new path of understanding.