<P> Taoist literature and art has influenced the cultures of Korea, Japan, and Vietnam . Organized Taoism seems not to have attracted a large non-Chinese following until modern times . In Taiwan 7.5 million people (33% of the population) identify themselves as Taoists . Data collected in 2010 for religious demographics of Hong Kong and Singapore show that, respectively, 14% and 11% of the people of these cities identify as Taoists . </P> <P> Throughout Chinese history there have been many examples of art being influenced by Taoist thought . Notable painters influenced by Taoism include Wu Wei, Huang Gongwang, Mi Fu, Muqi Fachang, Shitao, Ni Zan, T'ang Mi, and Wang Tseng - tsu . Taoist arts represents the diverse regions, dialects, and time spans that are commonly associated with Taoism . Ancient Taoist art was commissioned by the aristocracy, however scholars masters and adepts also directly engaged in the art themselves . </P> <P> Unlike Confucianism, Taoism favors philosophical anarchism, pluralism and laissez - faire - government . Laozi has been cited as an early example of a proponent of liberalism . On the other hand, politics never have been a main issue in Taoism . </P> <P> Many scholars believe Taoism arose as a countermovement to Confucianism . The philosophical terms Tao and De are indeed shared by both Taoism and Confucianism, and Laozi is traditionally held to have been a teacher of Confucius . Zhuangzi explicitly criticized Confucianist and Mohist tenets in his work . In general, Taoism rejects the Confucianist emphasis on rituals, hierarchical social order, and conventional morality, and favors naturalness, spontaneity, and individualism instead . </P>

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