Star Wars is a science fiction series that spawned hundreds of books and movies. Created by George Lucas in 1977, it mainly revolves around a fictional ancient religion known as the Force, and how people wield it. The Force is “an energy field that connected everything in the universe. The Force was generated by all living entities, and therefore, resided in all lifeforms” (Wookiepedia). On the other hand, Taoism is an ancient Chinese religion and philosophy that began 2000 years ago. According to historical website Ancient History, Taoism “emphasizes doing what is natural and ‘going with the flow’ in accordance with the Tao (or Dao), a cosmic force which flows through all things and binds and releases them” (Ancient History). Both religions actually have many similarities with one another, and it is clear that Star Wars took inspiration from Taoism.

In addition to both the Force and Taoism relying on an invisible energy that connects with the world, its practitioners believe in the idea of evil and good, and the need to balance the two. According to the Tao Te Ching, an important text for Taoism, evil and good are elements that are created equally. For example, the text states, “when people see things as beautiful, ugly is created… When people see things as good, evil is created.” In Taoism, this is reflected with the yin and yang symbol, which includes “two halves that together complete wholeness… Both halves are chasing after each other as they seek a new balance with each other” (Personal Tao). Meanwhile, in the Code of the Jedi order, a set of rules created by practitioners of the Force, it follows a similar philosophical approach to the religion. For example, the text states, “There is no emotion, there is peace… There is no ignorance.” (Wookiepedia).

Taoism, like users of the Force, also believes in the power of telekinesis to move objects. Followers of Taoism believed one could do this through Qigong, “a form of gentle exercise composed of movements that are repeated a number of times, often stretching the body, increasing fluid movement (blood, synovial and lymph) and building awareness of how the body moves through space” (Energy Arts). According to Paul Dong, once one masters this art form, they will become clairvoyant and have the power of telekinesis. This is very similar to the Force because users of it are able to move objects and perceive certain events before they happen.

Broughton, Richard (1991). Parapsychology: the controversial science. New York, [NY]: Ballantine Books. ISBN 978-0-345-37958-0.

This source is a book that discusses a bit on the concept of Quigong and how users of it are able to become telekinetic. This is important to my comparison of the Force and Taoism.

“Jedi Code.” Wookieepedia, starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Jedi_Code.

This discusses an important text for the Force. It contains philosophical beliefs one of the Jedi order must follow. I will use this to compare it to the Tao Te Ching.

Laozi, and Mitchell. Tao Te Ching: a New English Version. Easton Press, 1995.

This discusses an important text for Taoism. It contains philosophical beliefs followers lean towards. I will use this to compare it to Jedi code.

Mark, Emily. “Taoism.” Ancient History Encyclopedia, Ancient History Encyclopedia, 27 Nov. 2018, www.ancient.eu/Taoism/.

This article discusses the history of the ancient Chinese religion Taoism. It is important to my discussion because I need to tell my audience what the religion is about. In other words, it is a great base to start on argument on.

“The Force.” Wookieepedia, starwars.wikia.com/wiki/The_Force.

This article discusses the basic information on what the Force actually is. Although it is a fan-based site, it is known to be very reliable, accurate and comprehensive. I will use this article to inform my audience on what the force is defined as.

“Yin Yang – Everything About Yin and Yang & Balancing Life.” Personal Tao, personaltao.com/taoism/what-is-yin-yang

An article that talks about yin and yang, an important aspect of Taoism. I will use it when referencing the history of Taoism.