One reason Taoism can be difficult to understand is that on multiple occasions the Tao Te Ching shows how rules of any kind are not helpful. When people follow rules, Lao Tzu says, they become committed to the rules rather than the real change brought about through commitment to the tao. But it's difficult to tell another person about anything without using words that identify key aspects of that thing. And this writer believes it is easier to learn from an imperfect system than learn from nothing. So although the words I've used to describe some of the key concepts of Taoism are imperfect and incomplete, they are at least a starting place. To really learn Taoism and make it a part of your life requires gentle study, quiet contemplation and experience.