The essence of Tao philosophy is Wu Wei which means action through inaction.

Wu Wei describes a practice of accomplishing things through minimal action. By studying the nature of life, one can affect it in the easiest and least disruptive way by using finesse rather than force. The practice of working with the stream rather than against it is an often used illustration; one progresses the most not by struggling against the stream and thrashing about, but by remaining still and letting the stream do all the work. When planning actions try to find interventions that accomplish your goals at minimum cost and with minimum disruption.

Wu Wei DOES NOT mean however that one should "do nothing and wait and hope everything will be alright".

from Taoism http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Taoism