In this text, John Clarke shows the reader how Taoism or Daoism has transformed many key areas of Western life and thought. Taoist texts, ideas and practices have over several centuries been assimilated into a whole range of the interests and activities found in the West. From the everyday impact of practices such as Feng Shui and Tai Chi, through to more esoteric formulations found in areas such as religion, philosophy, ethics, politics and ecology, Taoism has inspired the Western world. The book not only provides an introduction to Daoism, but it offers an insight into the history of the West's encounter with this ancient tradition.