The Taoist principles of Non-contention are quite simple, Taoist beliefs are that you don't participate in argument or strife. The Tao itself does not judge, it does not condemn and it does not punish, therefore, it cannot be contentious.
Think of the vast amount of whirling energy that is contained in an effortlessly revolving merry-go-round. When you go along with the flow or direction as the Tao suggests, you derive great impetus, like having the wind against your back or filling your sail. However if you try to go against it, you expend great energy and tire without ever reaching your goal. As Lao Tzu says, "whatever goest against the Tao comes to an early end. This is not a punishment or a judgement, It simply is the way things are. Spit into the wind and you receive it back into your face. Simple, natural."
Putting this theory in action then, the Tao teaches that Non-contention is the only path. …