Towards a Dao‐Centric Orientation of Sustainability Education

ABSTRACT This paper proposes a dao‐centric orientation of sustainability education to combat the climate emergency. Drawing on the Daoist text Liezi 列子, it is argued that dao‐centrism comprises two salient characteristics. First, dao‐centrism is embodied in ‘common Way‐making’ ( gongdao 公道) that denotes a non‐possessive and non‐exploitative view of nature. Secondly, dao‐centrism is facilitated by ‘effortless acting’ ( wuwei ) which is manifested in the love of and friendship with nature. A dao‐centric orientation of sustainability education challenges anthropocentricism that typically instrumentalises nature and regards only humans as deserving of moral considerations. This article also proposes place‐based education that revolves around ‘person‐in‐environment’ and situates learning in actual settings. Far from perceiving nature as weak, dependent and passive, a dao‐centric foundation of sustainability education foregrounds nature's strength, power and dynamic interactions with humans. By highlighting Daoist perspectives, this study extends the existing scholarship on the pivotal role of education to address the climate crisis and ecological damage.