 In ancient Taoist texts , wu @-@ wei is associated with water through its yielding nature . Taoist philosophy , in accordance with the I Ching , proposes that the universe works harmoniously according to its own ways . When someone exerts their will against the world in a manner that is out of rhythm with the cycles of change , they may disrupt that harmony and unintended consequences may more likely result rather than the willed outcome . Taoism does not identify one 's will as the root problem . Rather , it asserts that one must place their will in harmony with the natural universe . Thus , a potentially harmful interference may be avoided , and in this way , goals can be achieved effortlessly . " By wu @-@ wei , the sage seeks to come into harmony with the great Tao , which itself accomplishes by nonaction . " 
