Lao-tzu vs. Machiavelli Government is the essential authority of a country or state‚ which is directly‚ affects society because it provides key securities. Two of history’s greatest thinkers Lao-tzu‚ authors of the Tao-te Ching‚ and Niccolo Machiavelli‚ author of The Prince have similar but very contrasting ideas of government‚ and how people should be governed. Lao-tzu was born in the Chinese state of Ch’u. He spent most of his life working in the library of the Chou dynasty. Once he decided to
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The Republic‚ by Plato discusses human morality and the difference between justice and injustice. Socrates is challenged by his peers to explain his views on the topic‚ which he claims that being just is the function of the soul. He is then confronted by more students who suggest that unjust humans have a better life than those who are just. To respond to this Socrates decides to create a city called Kallipollis in order to demonstrate why being just is beneficial to everyone in a society instead
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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
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Machiavelli as well as Hobbes have different views but also had similar ones. Machiavelli was a man that was interested in the perseverance of the Prince rather than that of the regular people. On the other hand Hobbes was looking out for the well-being of the whole community. When we look at both we can see what they mean and how it is still relevant to today’s politics. There is also a third person to look at and compare with Machiavelli and Hobbes‚ which is Rousseau. Each of the men listen above
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Reading the works of Machiavelli and Lao-Tzu in succession highlight how truly at opposition the messages are. Though both pieces express the desired way to govern a people‚ the “Tao-te Ching” speaks of peace‚ simplicity‚ and letting the universe work its will‚ while “The Qualities of the Prince” emphasizes the necessity for war‚ and the natural wickedness of men. There are no particular reasons that these two ways of thought should be in harmony‚ one written in the 6th century‚ and the other the
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Analysis In The Gay Science‚ Friedrich Nietzsche talks about how “To grow tired of a possession is to grow tired of ourselves‚” and how sexual love is “a craving for a new property.” In The Prince‚ Niccolo Machiavelli talks about “whether it is better to be loved rather than feared‚ or feared rather than loved.” In Nietzsche’s text he focuses on how greed and love are similar to each other‚ while in Machiavelli’s text he contrast the idea of being feared rather than loved. The arrangement of both
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Ages had very different values‚ which affected how their leaders ruled. Machiavelli and Henry V had many differences‚ but also had common ground. Although neither was a better leader than the other‚ their times definitely influenced how they used their power. Machiavelli was more prone to intimidation‚ by invoking fear within his people‚ while Henry looked to be loved. Henry was not one to use deceit either‚ while Machiavelli felt that the ends justified the means. Clearly‚ these two leaders were
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In comparing and contrasting the governmental philosophies of the great thinkers Lao-Tzu and Machiavelli‚ I have found a pleasant mix of both of their ideas would be the best for America today. Lao-Tzu’s laisse-faire attitude towards the economy‚ as well as his small scale military is appealing to my liberal side‚ while Machiavelli’s attitude towards miserliness which causes low taxes appeals to the right wing. These great thinkers contradict the popular saying "all great thinkers think alike." They
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Political Stand-off Both Lao-tzu and Machiavelli seem to have a clear-cut view on how they believe the government should run. In some ways‚ both men have very similar ideas; more often‚ though‚ they couldn’t be more opposed. A few similarities brought forth are that people in power must not strive to make everyone happy‚ nor must they be considered unmerciful and they should avoid being despised. The final view they both share is that they believe if the common people think they are happy
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Lao Tzu and Niccolo Machiavelli Lao Tzu and Niccolo Machiavelli are two philosophies that show the people the basic foundation of how the government should run. They both talk about the art of governing the country. Their views and concepts of what makes a proper leader and how the government should work are extremely different from each other. At the same time‚ their lessons which they both have taught us are still relevant till today for the modern society. Lao Tzu is following the idea of enlightenment
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