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Analysis Of Lao-Tzu's A World Of Ideas

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In “A World of Ideas” excerpt of Tao-te Ching, Lao-tzu speaks about how “The Master” should lead the people; this is an analogy to how a ruler, or a governing body, should govern its people. In Verse 57 of the Tao-te Ching, Lao-tzu instructs leaders to return to the Tao and let the people govern themselves. He says a government that involves itself in its people’s lives too much will have a negative effect. Lao-tzu’s explanation on how a government should govern its people is still relevant in today’s political environment. Lao-Tzu says that the people become less virtuous when their government places more prohibitions on them. I agree with Lao-Tzu in this statement. People would not automatically become righteous simply because the government has forbidden things that are deemed immoral or socially unacceptable. The prohibitions may just hide the problems and may not necessarily solve much. The attention that the prohibition has brought towards the issue may cause people to purposely seek out loopholes or other ways to exploit these laws. This statement still has political importance throughout history. The people of the …show more content…

That is to let go and follow the Tao and do only what is absolutely needed so that the people can learn and make their own rules. Lao-Tzu believes that when a governing body complicates itself with laws and be involved in the livelihood of its people too much, it would have adverse effects. This is because their actions draw the people’s attention to disheartening conditions like crime, war, and poverty. Therefore, Lao-Tzu says the Master should leads with humility by understanding that they are no different from the ones they govern and act from below the people, as to not appear overbearing while being sensitive to the people’s interest. The people follow the Master because they do not feel constricted and feels free to choose their way (Verse

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