345DOI: 10.4312/as.2024.12.2.345-348
Eric S. Nelson: Heidegger and Dao:  
Things, Nothingness, Freedom 
Reviewed by Jana S. ROŠKER*16
(2023. London, New York: Bloomsbury Academic, pp. 256. ISBN 978-1-3504-1190-6)
Eric S. Nelson’s Heidegger and Dao: Things, Nothingness, Freedom masterfully in-
terweaves the philosophies of Martin Heidegger and classical Daoism, offering 
an intricate examination of their treatment of key concepts such as things, noth-
ingness, and freedom. The book explores the nuanced variations and transforma-
tive interpretations of these central ideas, illuminating their profound impact on 
both Western and East Asian philosophical traditions. Both Asian and Western 
academics have long sought a book that offers a coherent and comprehensive 
introduction to the European reception of East Asian, and especially Daoist, phi-
losophy, and thus one of the most significant contributions of this work is in 
fulfilling this need.
The book is structured into two main parts. The first, “Dao, Thing, and World”, 
looks at the relationship between Daoism (specifically in the works of Laozi and 
Zhuangzi) and Heidegger’s philosophy, focusing on the nature of things and their 
role in the world. The chapters in this section explore themes like the autopoietic 
self-transformation of things in Daoism and Heidegger, the concept of emptiness 
in Laozi’s Daodejing, and the idea of uselessness in Zhuangzi’s writings in relation 
to Heidegger’s thought.
The second part, “Nothingness, Emptiness, and the Clearing”, shifts focus to the 
themes of nothingness and emptiness. This section examines the intercultural 
interpretations of Daoist nothingness and Buddhist emptiness, their impact on 
Heidegger’s philosophy, and the ethical and political implications of these con-
cepts. The chapters here analyse the influence of East Asian philosophies on Hei-
degger’s understanding of emptiness and the clearing, and how these ideas can be 
reimagined in the context of modern ethical and political challenges.
The introduction to Heidegger and Dao: Things, Nothingness, Freedom is included in 
its first chapter. This adeptly establishes a comprehensive view of its core theme, 
* Jana S. ROŠKER, Professor of Sinology, Department of Asian Studies, 
 Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia.
 Email address: jana.rosker@ff.uni-lj.si
Azijske_studije_2024-2_FINAL.indd   345 23. 04. 2024   10:46:16
346 Jana S. ROŠKER: Eric S. Nelson: Heidegger and Dao: Things, Nothingness, Freedom
namely the complex interplay between Heidegger’s philosophy and the ziranist 
principles of Daoism. This text effectively readies the reader for the intricacies of 
the central part of this book, comprising in-depth analyses and insightful inter-
pretations that enhance the comprehension of fundamental philosophical con-
cepts crucial to its content.
Chapter two delves into the concept of the autopoietic transformation of things. 
It juxtaposes the Daoist perception of self-transforming nature in objects with 
Heidegger’s notion of “thingness”, underscoring a dynamic, interrelational aspect 
of existence that resonates in both philosophical traditions. The chapter empha-
sizes this shared focus on the continuous and intrinsic evolution of things with-
in their respective ontological and cosmogonic frameworks. In the next chapter, 
the discussion pivots to the Daoist notion of emptiness as articulated in Laozi’s 
Daodejing, and its parallel with Heidegger’s concept of “the void”. This chapter 
insightfully examines how both philosophies fundamentally integrate the concept 
of emptiness into their understanding of reality, proposing it as an essential and 
pervasive element that shapes their respective philosophical landscapes. Chapter 
four, which is the last chapter of the first part of the book, examines Zhuangzi’s 
concept of “uselessness”, drawing a compelling comparison to Heidegger’s in-
sights on the essence of things. The chapter stands out for its critical examination 
of conventional ideas about utility and purpose, challenging and redefining these 
concepts in a modern context through a thoughtful blend of Eastern and Western 
philosophical perspectives.
The insightful analyses in the first four chapters effectively lay the groundwork for 
the second part of the book, titled “Nothingness, Emptiness, and the Clearing”. 
This section builds upon the foundational concepts introduced earlier, leading 
into a deeper exploration of these philosophical themes. In this chapter, Nelson 
examines the Daoist concept of nothingness and the Buddhist idea of emptiness. 
He does so after offering a solid critique of misleading and often completely in-
accurate Western interpretations of these concepts and their associated notions. 
At the same time, Nelson skilfully establishes a compelling link between these 
Asian concepts and Heidegger’s notion of “the clearing”. His analysis not only 
draws intriguing parallels between these Eastern and Western ideas, but also un-
derscores their collective significance in understanding the essence of being. This 
chapter serves as a crucial link furthering the exploration of how these philosoph-
ical traditions converge and diverge in their approaches to fundamental existential 
questions. Chapter six then looks at Heidegger’s interactions with East Asian 
philosophies, with a focus on how these encounters shaped his thinking. Nelson 
critically assesses the influence of East Asian philosophical traditions on Heide-
gger, exploring the depth and implications of this often overlooked aspect of his 
Azijske_studije_2024-2_FINAL.indd   346 23. 04. 2024   10:46:16
347Asian Studies XII (XXVIII), 2 (2024), pp. 345–348
work. The chapter provides a critical examination of the extent and nuances of 
this intercultural influence, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding 
of Heidegger’s philosophical evolution. In this part of the book Nelson scrutinizes 
the ethical and political ramifications of Heidegger’s transcultural dialogues with 
Asian philosophies. He sheds light on the historical and social contexts of these 
subtle, often latent interactions and their influence on Western—and particularly 
European—academic thought. Here, the author also proposes how these intercul-
tural philosophical exchanges might enrich and inform contemporary ethical and 
political discourse, highlighting their relevance in modern intellectual landscapes.
In the eighth, concluding chapter, Nelson synthesizes the book’s major themes, 
re-emphasizing the significance of intercultural philosophy. He reflects on the 
enriching dialogue between Heidegger and Daoism, advocating for more innova-
tive paths in philosophical research. This chapter extends beyond a mere summa-
ry, positioning the interplay between Western and Eastern thought as a catalyst 
for new philosophical explorations, thereby underscoring the profound impact of 
such transcultural engagements in shaping contemporary philosophical discourse.
As always with his work, Eric Nelson’s latest book is laudable for its insightful 
and clear exploration of complex philosophical ideas. His comparative analysis of 
Heidegger’s thought and Daoism is certainly profound, although it occasionally 
misses opportunities to explore some of the subtleties and diverse interpretations 
of Daoism. Moreover, the book could be further enhanced by more concrete dis-
cussions of the practical application of these philosophical concepts in modern 
contexts, which would provide a bridge between abstract theory and real-world 
relevance. This expansion into practical implications would enrich the book’s im-
pact, offering readers not only philosophical insights but also guidance for re-
al-life applications of the ideas it explores. 
Nevertheless, recognizing the challenges of integrating theory and practice, Nel-
son’s approach is understandably cautious. The synthesis of abstract philosophical 
concepts with real-world applications risks oversimplification, potentially reduc-
ing complex theories to superficial solutions. Such a reductionist and individual-
ized approach could inadvertently undermine the depth of theoretical insights, 
offering superficial, apolitical fixes to systemic social issues. Nelson’s discernment 
in this matter likely informs his reluctance to deeply engage in the practical ap-
plication of these philosophical ideas. His approach ensures the maintenance of 
academic rigor and depth, carefully balancing the exploration of theoretical con-
cepts with the complexities inherent in their real-world translation. This decision 
underscores a commitment to preserving the integrity of philosophical discourse 
while acknowledging the complex relationship between theory and praxis.
Azijske_studije_2024-2_FINAL.indd   347 23. 04. 2024   10:46:16
348 Jana S. ROŠKER: Eric S. Nelson: Heidegger and Dao: Things, Nothingness, Freedom
In evaluating the overall significance of Nelson’s Heidegger and Dao: Things, Noth-
ingness, Freedom, it is evident that this work is a major contribution to the domain 
of comparative transcultural philosophy. This book, with its depth and compre-
hensive analysis, is likely to be recognized as a landmark in intercultural philo-
sophical studies. The author successfully bridges East Asian and Western, and 
particularly European, thought, offering insightful perspectives on the nature of 
reality, existence, and our place in the world. His work invites readers to rethink 
conventional philosophical boundaries and to embrace a more holistic view of 
human understanding and existence. Throughout, Nelson critically engages with 
both Heidegger’s and Daoist philosophies, offering insights into their relevance in 
contemporary philosophical discourse. He highlights the transformative potential 
of these philosophies in understanding and responding to modern existential and 
ecological crises.
In conclusion, Nelson’s work is a significant contribution to intercultural and 
transcultural philosophy, offering a nuanced understanding of Heidegger’s en-
gagement with Daoist thought. It encourages a re-evaluation of Heidegger’s phi-
losophy in light of Daoist concepts, ultimately suggesting a path towards a more 
open, responsive, and relational way of living and thinking. Nelson’s critique is 
balanced, acknowledging both the strengths and limitations of Heidegger’s and 
Daoist philosophies. 
This book skilfully merges diverse philosophical traditions, urging a transcend-
ence beyond established intellectual paradigms. It promotes a dynamic environ-
ment for transformative thought, enabling the elevation of ideas and the discov-
ery of new perspectives. The work is instrumental in bridging the gaps between 
culturally distinct philosophies, uncovering innovative approaches and insights. 
Such a contribution is pivotal for enhancing our comprehension and capacity 
to forge fruitful connections among various concepts stemming from different 
cultural perspectives. In doing so, it enriches and deepens our insights into the 
diverse ideas that weave the inspiring tapestry of global philosophical discourse.
Azijske_studije_2024-2_FINAL.indd   348 23. 04. 2024   10:46:16