)Compare Lao-tzu’s view of government with of Machiavelli in the next selection. Consider what seem to be the ultimate purposes of government, what seem to the obligations of the leader to the people being led, and what seems to be the main work of the state. What comparisons can you make between Lao-tzu’s Master and Machiavelli’s Prince.…
When utilizing the rhetorical strategy of comparing and contrasting in relationship to literature, a number of pieces of can qualify. In particular, the idea of leadership is arguably one of the most written about topics with regard to comparing and contrasting. Throughout history, it can be argued that the majority of successful societies have been based upon effective divisions of leadership. Accordingly, in their pieces of literature, The Tao-te Ching and The Qualities of the Prince, Lao-tzu and Machiavelli have sought to convey a more complete and concrete understanding of their respective definitions and duties of a ruler (leadership). The theme of political leaders and their intricate relationship with society indeed validate itself within both texts. However, both Lao-tzu and Machiavelli approach this issue from almost entirely opposite positions, though sharing minute similarities. Lao-tzu appears to focus the majority of his attention on letting problems or situations take their course, and consequently good would prevail. On the contrary, Machiavelli advocates the necessity for a successful leader, or prince, to take control of his deeds, and the skills or qualities necessary to maintain power. Since both writers propose a question as to what is in essence the same dilemma, effective leadership, it becomes almost natural literary etiquette to contrast the two in an effort to better understand what qualities a prosperous leader must possess. Despite each author’s contrasting approaches to rhetoric, they agree that a ruler should avoid being hated and despised, but disagree in areas such as government involvement in citizens’ everyday lives.…
Lao-Tzu’s writings offered a basis for Taoism, a religion officially founded by Chang Tao-ling in about 150 A.D. However, the Tao-te Ching is an ethical document as much as about good government as it is about moral behavior. Niccolo Machiavelli was an aristocrat who had his ups and downs according the shifts in power in Florence. His writings encourage a prince to secure power by almost any means necessary. Lao-Tzu’s Thoughts from the Tao-te Ching and Niccolo Machiavelli’s The Qualities of the Prince both have main goals of how to mold a better prince. Their views on government and the ways they attain their goals each differ in method.…
Lao-Tzu states “Act for the people’s benefit. Trust them; leave them alone.” (214) He feels that people at the heart of it are simple and good, and that if only left to the ways of the universe, they would live simple and good lives without ambition, desire, or want. “I let go of the law, and people become honest. I let go of economics, and people become prosperous. I let go of religion, and people become serene. I let go of all desire for the common good, and the good becomes common as grass.”…
Preferred rational reflection and self-examination, a life in harmony with nature 2. Laozi, founder of Daoism, allegedly wrote the Daodejing a. Classic of the Way and of Virtue 3. Zhuangzi (compendium of Daoist philosophy) 4. The Dao--the way of nature, the way of the cosmos a. Elusive concept: an eternal principle governing all the workings of the world b. Dao is passive and yielding, does nothing yet accomplishes everything c. Humans should adapt their behavior to the lifeless and easy nature of the Dao d. Desire and activism had only brought the world to chaos e. Doctrine of Wuwei: disengagement from worldly affairs, simple life f. Support small, self-sufficient communities 5. Political implications: served as counterbalance to Confucian activism…
Zhuangzi support a holistic life, disengagement from the artificial socialization, and cultivate potencies and skills, in order to live a simple natural, but thrive life (Patheos). He was crucial of our common classifications and estimation, noting the several different ways of arrangement between different living things, cultures, and education, and the lack of an seperated means of making a relative estimation (Naver). He recommend a way of arrangement that is not devoted to a system, but is liquid and pliable , and that continue a temporary, practical opinion to the applicability of these classification and estimation. China’s mythological king, a hero and supporter of Taoism (BBC).…
The Tao-Te Ching covers a variety of topics. Ranging from political views to practical advice for the everyday person, it teaches how to be a great ruler, teacher or individual. To be a great leader, you must be in harmony with the people, “If you don’t trust the people, you make them untrustworthy” (verse 17). Passages like this make a person think about how their actions can affect the outcome of events. How a person will be viewed and whether or not they are doing the right thing.…
Is difficult to accept the world the way it is, just as it comes. Sometimes we tend to force things to happen and in response we just create more problems, making ourselves unhappy and suffer unnecessarily. Sometimes the best thing to do is to let things go and let them take a natural curse, in order to be leaded to success, whatever that is in each of our lives. Correspondingly, Tao Te Ching and Border Town, focus on Taoism and in both the idea of wu wei is deeply express by giving meaning to life through the constant flow of nature. Moreover, Taoism is centered in the spiritual level of self. It is an ancient religious and philosophical system that started in China. Tao meaning “the way,” can’t be described with words, neither can it be conceived…
As a conclusion, Taoism originated as almost a rebellion against Confucian thoughts and ideas, rebelling against the rigid hierarchy and roles that were required of the the Confucianist people, and withdrawing themselves from their society to go and be one with nature. The significance of this information may help us better understand the Daoist people’s values and reasons for origination, in opposition to…
He believes that if we let go of what society views as correct, then the people will know what to do (207). Throughout Thoughts from the Tao-te Ching it is suggested that a leader must not influence people to do anything. A leader should just let things happen and that the people will always choose the right (207). Today leadership is viewed as a way in which a person can influences others to accomplish an objective. Today it is seen that people tend to rebel against authority, and that they will not be content and do the opposite of what they are told (Lao-Tzu, 211).…
Many found solace in Daoist thinking, even emperors. Indeed, emperors did not fret the spread of Daoism because it offered little political threat. This movement considers political activity and learning to be of no consequence to a good life. The best way to achieve Daoist harmony with nature is through humility and frugal living. Daoism promoted an elaborate spirituality which created a distinctive division in Chinese philosophies. Daoism, Legalism, and Confucianism all shaped classical China’s civilization.…
Like with most religions or philosophies, Daoism is a teaching of truth, an ideology that one wishes to define themselves by. However, the Dao is essentially undefinable, rather it is a teaching for one to discover on their own terms. Lao Tzu was a Chinese Philosopher attributed for the writing of the Daodejing, as well as the patron of Daoism. Daoism is the belief that human existence is continually influenced by alternative forces. Based on the teachings of the Daodejing, Lao Tzu encouraged to understand the laws of nature.…
Chuang Tzus ideal person has discovered the Tao, or Way. The Tao can be described as the underlying unity that embraces man, Nature, and all that is in the universe. This manner of living involves a central message of freedom, from both the material world and traditional, rational thought. By following the Way, the true sage can attain an existence liberated from worldly constraint and live in peaceful harmony with nature.…
What a blessing…a miracle…fate? Somehow, I Ching made the cut and survived the great book burning of 213 B.C., perpetrated by Ch’in Shih Huang ti, the first Chinese emperor. I Ching became the only existing divination tool, earning its place in history as the oldest Chinese oracle.…
The perspective of life and death of Daoism based on Chuang Tzu and Lao Tzu…