Machiavelli And Lao-Tzu's Divergent Views On Government

Rarely have the governmental views of two men differed as greatly as they do between Machiavelli and Lao-Tzu. The Prince, written by Machiavelli, expresses Machiavelli’s ideas on what the government should do to benefit society. Benefiting society, according to Machiavelli, was encompassing all the power and having total control over the population. Lao-Tzu, on the other hand, holds a completely different opinion in Thoughts from the Tao-Te Ching. In this writing, he expresses his belief that people just need to live in a theocracy or laissez-faire, the government should step back and let God lead the people into a proper lifestyle. These two men have completely different views concerning the way a government should rule. (thesis)

Concerning the obligations a leader already has, Machiavelli and Lao-Tzu’s views range from Machiavelli wanting to maintain control to Lao-Tzu’s view of a leader just serving as an example (prong1). Machiavelli believes the ruling Prince should be the sole authority determining every aspect of the state and put in effect

(prong 3). Lao-Tzu’s thoughts on the government’s purpose are clear when he says that it should “Act for the peoples benefit. Trust them; [and] leave them alone” (31). Machiavelli believes otherwise, he feels that the prince should “maintain the state” (47). By maintaining the state, he means that the prince should keep the government stable. He should not let the people get of control, or even think about rebelling. Only by keeping the people in check can the prince be sure that they wont try to rebel. Lao-Tzu just wants the master to assist the people, not hurt them, a nations centered in the Tao “nourishes its … people” (29).

Lao-Tzu and Machiavelli had different feelings about the government. Lao-Tzu was very naïve and felt his master should step back and let the people develop by themselves and with the help of God. Machiavelli held a low opinion of people; he felt that if it were not for the prince’s tight control, they would rob and kill each other. Because of these differences, their beliefs differed accordingly. Lao-Tzu’s ideas on government were based on the belief that all men are

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