LAO-TZU - Thoughts from the Tao-te Ching
3.) According to Lao-tzu, why is moderation important in government?
Lao-tzu who is a very pronounced Chinese’s writer explains the meaning of moderation in this piece of writing Thoughts from the Tao-te Ching . The government in today’s world seems to be very different to the way that Lao-tzu explains it. He talks about the control of the government on the people of the society and if they were kept under less control then the natural way of life would be seen. The way of life will be accepted by the people as time goes on because their desires begin to disappear leading to peace, “when there is no desire all things are at peace” (Lao-tzu 25). Another thing is that if moderation is used then the “master” who governs or leads is hardly noticed by the people because he/she is just doing their job and not trying to takeover. As stated “…. Is a leader who is loved” (Lao-tzu 22), meaning running the government with moderation will help increase a better and more loveable relationship between the people and government. Lao-tzu does show an importance in moderation of the government but I personally think that the type of self-control which is used is a bit too unrealistic. “If you tamper with it, you’ll ruin it. If you treat it like an object, you’ll lose it” (Lau-tzu 24). I agree and also degree with this quote, it can go both ways. I degree because the world does need to be tampered with and altered in order to keep the present existences of humans and keep future developments going. On the other hand I agree because as seen in the past if nature is altered by humans from its natural state then problems and big issues can arise from these alterations. Overall I think that Lao-tzu did a fairly decent job in providing an explanation of why moderation is important in the government by showing simple ways of life leading to big achievements.
Works sited
Lao-tzu. “Thoughts from the Tao-te chin” A world of ideas: Essential readings for collage writers Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. Trans. Stephen Mitchell, 7th ed. New York: Bedford St. Martins 2006 pp 22 - 31.
2 comments:
I think you did an excellent job in explaining the depth at which Lao-Tzu stresses the moderation of governmental involvement in the everyday lives of citizens. I also agree with your statement regarding how unrealistic the way of the Tao actually is. Perhaps it's because we were raised in a society full of rules and regulations that I find it impossible to live in a society without them. In either case, I think you hit the nail on the head.
Dalavar, I did the same question you did and I like your answer as well. You are right living in Tao seems like a perfect relationship with government and a perfect world. It also does seem unrealistic because think how hard it would be to just get the government to change their ways and to let the people be. I think it may cause choas and disorder. And if the government didn't intervene at all or tempered with the world, it just might fall to pieces. Good job Dalavar.
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