Rethinking the notion of the high-performing education system: A Daoist response

This article challenges the dominant notion of ‘high-performing education system’ and offers an alternative interpretation from a Daoist perspective. The paper highlights two salient characteristics such system: its ability to outperform other systems in international large-scale assessments; status as positive or negative ‘reference society’. It is contended that external standards are applied imposed on educational across globe, judging system be high- low- performing, consequently worthy emulation deserving criticism. Three cardinal principles drawn Zhuangzi expounded: rejection oppressive dao (way); emptying one’s heart-mind; ethics difference. A major implication celebration plurality high performers reference societies, each unique own but converging mutual learning appreciation.