Rousseau and Marx both address a notion of "chains" in society in their writings and have defined this notion to be very different sets of constraints. Rousseau concluded that the "chains" that restrict society is one in the form of laws. Marx‚ on the other hand‚ sees the "chains" to be that of a class struggle. This leaves us with many questions‚ ranging from the legitimacy of the chains on society and if society could exist without them. Taking both writers views of "chains" into view one can
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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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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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had numerous values such as humanism‚ secularism‚ individualism. The Renaissance separated into two different paths‚ the Italian Renaissance and the Northern Renaissance. Two famous figures of these Renaissances were Machiavelli and Thomas More. Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli was known as “the father of modern political theory”‚ he was born in Florence. He was a politician‚ historian‚ philosopher‚ humanist and a writer. He was part of the Italian Renaissance. Thomas More was an English lawyer
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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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Rousseau vs. self-interest and progress In The Social Contract‚ Rousseau asserts the idea of the people’s General Will being the ideal governing force of the state. This idea is essentially the total alienation of each individual to the entire community‚ thus constructing the Sovereign. The collective body rules in the common interest‚ acting without individual bias or selfish concerns‚ to decide the laws that the Sovereign itself is to follow. However rightly intended‚ this concept is flawed
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