Lao-tzu vs. Machiavelli Government is the essential authority of a country or state‚ which directly affects society because it provides key securities. How directly involved should the government be in the personal lives of society? To answer this I will look to the ideas of Lao-tzu (sixth century B.C.)‚ believed to be author of the Tao-te Ching‚ and Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527)‚ author of The Prince There are few ways in which they are similar‚ but have very opposite views and ideas of government
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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
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Let go of fixed plans and concepts and the world will govern itself.” These words were spoken by Lao-Tzu‚ a philosopher credited for writing the “Tao-te Ching” and the presumed founder of Taoism. In the Tao-te Ching‚ Lao-Tzu describes the qualities a political leader should acquire in order to become great leaders. Although some people imagine a great leader as being die-hard and commanding‚ Lao-Tzu believes that a great leader is actually one who doesn’t use force unless it is absolutely necessary
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Per Lao-Tzu’s “wu wei” if you can master the art of doing nothing‚ then you can achieve anything you desire. As perplexing and difficult as it may seem to comprehend‚ Lao-Tzu’s “wu wei” didn’t exactly mean to literally do nothing‚ but rather let nature take course. Act on what nature entails relatively than what you desire. When you do more‚ you attain less so mastering the art of doing less you achieve more‚ one of the major ways to learn how to achieve more is to stop worrying‚ learning to accept
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Taoism originated in China around 500 b.c Taoist thought is based on the writings of Lao-Tzu in the poetic stanzas of the Tao Te Ching. Lau Tzu translates as the ’Old Man ’ or the ’Old Teacher ’. It is 5‚000 characters in length and comprises of two books. The Tao Te Ching is the second most printed book in the world next to the Bible. The Tao Te Ching represents Philosophical Taoism at its purest as it was to develop through the centuries into a more institutionalised religion and into branches
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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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SUN TZU ART OF WAR Sun Tzu is a well-known author of the Art of War book. He was born in Qi State‚ China during the 5th century BC in the warring states period. The warring states period was a period of constant war among seven states in China such as Qi‚ Qin‚ Chu‚ Han‚ Wei‚ Yan‚ and Zhao. Sun Tzu was a military strategist and general who led Wu state to success. After that‚ he became a heroic general of king of Wu‚ Ho Lu. His victories then inspired him to write the Art of War‚ it attracted many
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Comparison of Lao Tzu and Machiavelli It is obvious to most people the differences between black and white‚ light and darkness‚ or Pepsi and Coca-Cola. Many people have different preferences for each of these things‚ as well as different views about them. While one person may argue that Pepsi is the ultimate cola beverage‚ another person may claim that Coca-Cola is the best by far. This is such the case with many different people in this world‚ on many different topics. A prime example of contrasting
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Ruling a country effectively is executed through a variety of methods. Lao-Tzu‚ a follower of Taoism‚ expresses his belief on the most efficient way to govern. "The more prohibitions you have‚ the less virtuous people will be. The more weapons you have‚ the less secure people will be. The more subsidies you have‚ the less self-reliant people will be" (25). This quote from Lao-Tzu can be interpreted many different ways. The author discusses what he feels the role of a leader should be‚ the restrictions
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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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