Lao-tzu: The Way and its' Power
Lao-tzu, in his powerful Tao-te Ching, expresses innovative and different ideas of how a state should be governed. Lao-tzu often expresses layered meaning. While it is a very contemplative text, it is also filled with purposive material that can be applied to government and life today. In reading this work, one must carefully choose beliefs that seem to make sense, and that work with society in this day. Lao-tzu, apart from exploring the good, the moral, and the just, implies the obligation of the state to the individuals it governs. In his pithy lines, an immense flow of meaning is conveyed. Lao-tzu believes that action lies in inaction. That is, a politician must do nothing, unless society is in dire need of action. Also, a communal good, rather than individual, is conveyed. Lao-tzu says, "The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own." This shows the masters belief that a society furthers itself with the concern of the whole, rather than the individual. While believing in the virtue of the whole, Lao-tzu also holds strong individualistic beliefs. He often minimizes the power of the state, believing in the goodness of the individual, and not wishing that the state impos
While the common good is of vital importance to Lao-Tzu, he also stresses individuality of the person from the state. Specifically, he believes in the good of the many, yet he also finds important that a person differentiates himself from the state, and not have the state be the holder of all power. Also, he believed that to understand, enlightenment must come to one person at a time, a sort of ground up philosophy in a top down world. Lao-tzu believed that "If you look to others for fulfillment, you will never truly be fulfilled," and deeply expressed the need for individuals to find their own truths in society. In chapter 75, Lao-tzu advises the ruler to “Act for the people’s benefit. Trust them; leave them alone.” The master here expresses the need for each individual to govern themselves, with minimal input or guidance from ruling members of society. Lao-tzu puts much trust and faith in the people, believing in their power of reflection, and in turn, their power to guide themselves. Lao-tzu, unlike later thinkers, puts much stress and importance on the common good. He believes that the idea of true harmony was transcendent. It belonged to the universe, not to individuals. Also, in later writings it is stated that, "It is the way of Tao to take from those who have more than enough and give to those who do not have enough." This quote illustrates the desir
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Approximate Word count = 928
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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