Lao Tzu example essay topic

290 words
Lao-tzu was an ancient Chinese philosopher from 6th century BC. He is the author of Tao-teaching. Machievalli was an Italian philosopher. He is the author of the Prince. They are both philosophers but have totally different perspective on how to be a good leader. Lao Tzu advises issues from a religious stand point; Machiavelli's advice is based on the demanding of one individual.

Both philosopher's ideas will not work in today's world because our modern world is not as perfect as Lao-Tzu described in Tao-te Ching and not as chaotic as Machiavelli described in The Qualities of the Prince. Lao Tzu and Machivelli's political system will not be affective in our current society, but the issues that they mention still exist in today. One of the issues is gun control that both of the philosophers have different approaches. Lao Tzu advised in Tao 0 te Ching, "Weapons are tools of violence; all decent man detest them.

Weapon are the tools of fear; a decent man will avoid them except in the direct necessity and if compelled, will use them only with the utmost restrain". (250) He states that being armed is the last choice out of all the available options. On the othe hand Machiavelli wrote in Prince, "Francesco Sforza became Duke of Milan from being a private citizen because he was armed; his sons, since they avoided the inconveniences of arms, became private citizens after having been duke. For, among the other bad effects it causes, bing disarmed makes you despised; this is one of those infamies a prince should guard himself against". (38) He illustrates that being armed is the need to show power.