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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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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As time has progressed‚ small civilizations have popped up throughout the earth‚ creating many groups of people‚ in all regions of the world. Around 1000 BCE‚ the world consisted of many city-states who eventually combined into large empires. One such empire is what is currently known as China. Originally‚ this empire was ruled by the Great Sage Rulers. These emperors taught their people the secrets of agriculture and medicine. The entire empire prospered‚ however‚ as the need for resources increased
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Lao Tzu once said‚ “He who gains victory over other men is strong‚ but he who gains a victory over himself is all powerful.” I believe this means that the most powerful person is one who understands and has control over themselves. Richard Wright‚ in his autobiography Black Boy‚ and the titular character of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel‚ The Great Gatsby both lend themselves in portraying the truth of this quote. This quote can be interpreted as saying that one who understands and has control over
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Despised Two leaders by the names of Lao Tzu and Niccolo Machiavelli had two opinions on how one should lead their people. To be a leader‚ one must guide in the way they think is the best way to live. As humans‚ love and fear is something that surrounds us in our day to day life. Some‚ like Lao Tzu prefer to show love and to be loved‚ while some‚ like Niccolo Machiavelli‚ have the preference to be feared. To be loved means to be cherished‚ and that was Lao Tzu’s goal as a leader. To be feared means
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Cathey 1 Cody Cathey English Comp 2 Gena Messersmith February 9‚ 2015 Compare and Contrast Lao Tzu and Machiavelli Most people have differences on multiple things. Preferences change depending on who you are and what your views on life are. This was the case between Lao Tzu and Machiavelli. Most differences start on the subject of war. In Machiavelli ’s story "The Qualities of a Prince"‚ he talks about always being on your toes as a leader. You have to be ready to go to war at all times‚ no matter
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Is Government Good or Bad? “In Discussion: Lao-Tzu and Machiavelli’s view on Government” “The Master leads by emptying people’s mind and filling their cores‚ by weakening their ambition and toughening their resolve. He helps people lose everything they know‚ everything they desire‚ and creates confusion in those who think that they know.” (Page 19). This passage supports a number of readings. All of them centered on government. The definition of government is the organization‚ machinery‚ or agency
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Lao Tzu and the “Tao Te Ching” Laozi or Lao Tzu‚ was a mystical philosopher who lived in ancient China. Most scholars believe Lao Tzu was born around 600 B.C.E. However‚ some authorities have him being born about 500 B.C.E. and some‚ question if Lao Tzu was actually a person or just a mythical figure. Generally‚ the majority of scholars believe Lao Tzu to be an actual person being born about 600 B.C.E. in the state of Ch’u‚ now known as the Hunan Province in Southern China according to
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