道家在對仁義禮法等現實政治制度和倫理規範進行反思和超越的基礎上，提出了「任性當分」的政治理想，並就此而向為政者提出了以慈為懷、守樸去詐、謙下寬容等政治美德期盼。這些思想不僅曾發揮批判、緩解封建專制統治的歷史作用，且對於當代的行政管理和政治改革具有啟示意義。

On the basis pondering upon and surpassing the political system and ethical standards in real life such as benevolence, righteousness, propriety and law, Taoist School puts forward its political ideal—“stipulating a person’s responsibility and authority conforming to his character”. Accordingly, it proposes some moral norms, which rulers should abide by, for instance, being benevolent, embracing the Primal and abandoning swindle as well as being modest and tolerant. These thoughts criticize and woaken the foudal autocracy. They can also arouso inopiration for contemporary administrative management and political reform.