The reason the Daoist Order could claim itself as “civilized” was not so much due to its inherent civility but largely because of the contrast with others. When compared against bandits and villains, even an ordinary person would appear noble and virtuous.0

One could only recognize light when there was darkness. Similarly, only because evil exists could one recognize goodness.0

The Daoist Order refrained from engaging in the slave trade primarily because they promoted egalitarian ideals to erase Confucian influence. As a result, the Great Xuan Court abolished the hereditary low-born caste system that had lasted for millennia,  forcing a shift toward a contractual employment system. Although servants still existed in the Central Plains, they were no longer part of a despised caste and could take the imperial examination, marry freely, and were protected from arbitrary punishment. Essentially, they were hired workers.0

There was once a female Daoist, known for her beauty and diplomatic finesse, who gained considerable fame. Yet for killing her own maid, she was ultimately...0