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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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
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In the World of Lao-Tzu and Machiavelli Even though Lao-Tzu and Machiavelli were both advisors there was still many differences of the two’s views on how a government should be. A leader is a person who leads or commands a group‚ organization‚ or a country. It does not matter what state‚ country‚ or city someone lives in they are guaranteed to have a leader. Leaders have been around in every era. If considered to be a leader‚ people wanted to be great and admired for what they had done or were
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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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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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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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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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Option #2 D Hart Dr. King And Lao-Tzu King and Lao-Tzu both had the same views but different actions. Their views consisted of eagerly wanting the world to become a better place. They wanted equal rights and righteous leaders. Their believes did not consist of taking sides. To them what really mattered was to have everyone be equally content. Even though King and Lao-tzu did not ever meet‚ there is thought to be a possibility that Dr. King could have read Lao-tzu’s writting. Thus they both believed
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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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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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