ipl-logo

Lao Tzu Vs Machiavelli

411 Words2 Pages

The works of Lao-Tzu and Machiavelli bring to light a very interesting question, "is it better to be feared or loved?" Lao-Tzu was an ancient Chinese philosopher that believed in peace, simplicity, and letting the world do its work without intervention until absolutely necessary. Machiavelli, an Italian politician and writer, emphasized the necessity for war, and addressed the wicked nature of men. Both of these individuals have very contrasting points of view in regards to ruling a kingdom. Three of these major differences were about war, human nature, and the use of mercy. After carefully reading the works of Lao-tzu and Machiavelli, it is evident that Machiavelli has the most ideal and relevant advice for today's society. Machiavelli believed that a leader's profession should always pertain to war as well as discipline. To forsake war would mean the loss of the state. Machiavelli argues further that there is no reason for the armed to follow the unarmed, therefore, it is difficult to acquire the willing obedience of the armed. Because of this, if a leader cannot master the art of war or can not understand it, he will …show more content…

That is to say, those who act completely according to their virtues soon meet their end. The virtues that rulers display either brings them praise or blame and because of this, it is necessary for leaders to learn how to commit wrongs, as well as to exercise them when necessary in order to hold their rule. As long as leaders focus on virtues that increase reputation and can keep subjects loyal, they will retain the ability to govern. On the other hand, all men are ungrateful, but as long as you succeed, they will give their children, blood, and life given the circumstances. Lao-Tzu believed that humans aspired to be good, but required the ruler to be just and involved minimally in the people's

Show More
Related

  • Age Of Absolutism Dbq

    733 Words  | 3 Pages

    Machiavelli’s book also suggests that a ruler should be feared by everyone that dares to face him. At this time, one ruler appeared to be more daunting than a chain of command. Another major idea spread during this time period was the idea of a social contract, from “Leviathan” by Thomas Hobbes. He explains that if two people desire the same thing which they cannot both enjoy, they will end up destroying each other. Two people should be able to lay down their right to all things and be contempt with having as much as another person has, instead of trying to fight with them in order to gain more.

    Read More

  • Similarities Between Frederick Douglass And Machiavelli

    819 Words  | 4 Pages

    Machiavelli expressed that it is good to be loved, but when it comes down to controversial decisions, fear is vital among members of a country. Machiavelli also believed that if citizens of a country feared a leader, they would always be forced to stay loyal. He believed in a totalitarian government. Machiavelli wanted a harsh government with unlimited power and unfair citizen standards. Fear of individuals seen as essential is very similar to slaveholders' views. "

    Read More

  • The Prince Vs Machiavelli's

    1989 Words  | 8 Pages

    According to Machiavelli, a ruler should use fear as a tool to maintain the power of a prince, instead of as foundational piece for the construction of a political order. In The Prince, Machiavelli defines fear as the fear of punishment for not obeying the law of a ruler. Machiavelli states that "Fear is held by a dread of punishment that never forsakes you," (Machiavelli 67). According to Machiavelli, it is ideal for the subjects of a ruler to fear the ruler because he can enforce the punishment that he can enforce upon his subjects. Machiavelli upholds that fear of a ruler is essential for the successful maintenance of a political order and that a prince should actively seek to cultivate an image of fear to maintain his power.

    Read More

  • Compare And Contrast Nicolo Machiavelli And Lao-Tzu

    1386 Words  | 6 Pages

    Lao-Tzu’s writing is mainly based off the religion Taoism. This type of religion believes that the way of the universe is the natural way of life and that it shouldn’t be interfered with by man. Lao-Tzu believes that one shouldn’t have total control of the government, that everything should run its course as it is supposed to do not as the humans want to make it. He believes that the ruler should be carefree and should not rule forcefully but be kind and silent. That he should stay in the shadows

    Read More

  • Compare And Contrast Pizan And Machiavelli The Prince

    1056 Words  | 5 Pages

    Then for Machiavelli he talks about how a prince should show no fear instead for him to show that he is the one with power. That a prince's people should fear him. Both authors go on to talk on how their people react based on the prince and princesse act. The authors then go on to explain how they should view and run their people. Both authors also reflect the fact that the way their people are going to act towards them is mainly based off of how they treat them.

    Read More

  • Thomas Jefferson And Niccolo Machiavelli's The Morals Of The Prince

    762 Words  | 4 Pages

    Machiavelli argues the perfect prince will be both feared and loved by his people, and if unable to be both he will make himself feared and not hated. Machiavelli believes it is much safer to be feared than to be loved because people are less likely to offend and stand up against strong characters, also people are less concerned in offending a prince who has made himself loved. Accordingly, Machiavelli believes generosity is harmful to your reputation and the choice between being generous or stingy, merciful or cruel, honest or deceitful, should only be important if it aids the prince in political power. All in all, Machiavelli believes the ruler must be a great deceiver and do what is essential to uphold power over the

    Read More

  • Qualities Of A Good Man In Machiavelli's The Prince

    1284 Words  | 6 Pages

    Machiavelli’s first suggests that a powerful ruler cannot be a good person. A good person, someone who is “merciful, faithful, kind, religious, upright”, cannot be a good ruler(Machiavelli, 55). He claims that “anyone who wants to act the part of a good man … will bring about his own ruin”(48). Acting as a good man will not bring a

    Read More

  • Comparing The Courtier And Machiavelli's The Prince

    235 Words  | 1 Pages

    Castiglione’s The Courtier and Machiavelli’s The Prince both had great philosophies in which could still be used in the 21st century. However, their beliefs differ based on the audience Castiglione believe in peace and calmness. Castiglione believe men and women should be able to rule themselves if only they knew how.

    Read More

  • Erasmus Vs Machiavelli

    1034 Words  | 5 Pages

    Machiavelli believed that men will follow a ruler as long as the ruler serves their interests, and a quick to turn against the ruler unless they fear great punishment. Machiavelli would say that it is best to be feared rather than loved as long as the fear does not cause hate, which he believed to be perfectly possible.

    Read More

  • Plato Vs Machiavelli

    429 Words  | 2 Pages

    Plato and Machiavelli were nevertheless, as similar as they were different on their beliefs in an idealistic government. Both of their ideas have been taught for years, and are certainly essential to understand how they interpret a perfect polis. Plato emphasis the question on what is justice for the people as well as for the Kallipolis and whether a just person is better off than an unjust person. Ethical beliefs are Plato’s main focus in a government.

    Read More

  • Three Beasts In Dante's Inferno

    1057 Words  | 5 Pages

    Machiavelli generally believes that laws are good when followed naturally from a good military. He even states that war is necessary and is generally the cause of states that are well-formed and successful. Throughout the book, the idea of a good war is created along with how to fortify cities, treat newly found humans in new territories, and to prevent problems with domestic politics. He also believes that more than just the military is needed throughout a war. International diplomacy, geography, history, and tactical strategy are all described by the author.

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Lao-Tzu's A World Of Ideas

    1215 Words  | 5 Pages

    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

    Read More

  • Comparing Dante Alighieri And Machiavelli's The Prince

    1037 Words  | 5 Pages

    Although Dante Alighieri and Niccolò Machiavelli lived in two different times, they both experienced political turmoil that impacted their lives. Living during times of conflict shaped the way they each looked at violence, virtue, and reason, which is evidenced in Dante’s Inferno and Machiavelli’s The Prince. Dante and Machiavelli both viewed violence, virtue, and reason as an interconnected triangle, but their realities created different ideas on how virtue and reason impact violence. Living a century apart, both authors’ lives show similarities. Both lived amid political turmoil that weakened Florence, and both were exiled from Florence because of politics.

    Read More

  • Lao-Tzu's Lessons On Finding Happiness In Your Life

    843 Words  | 4 Pages

    ― Lao Tzu Any fool can rule others, but it takes courage and mental power to rule your own heart. Have you ever considered about the truth, why history never remembers those who ruled others, even while they were very strong and had an immense impact on mankind, in the same way, while you think of happiness why you run for those souls who ruled themselves instead of ruling others? “Simplicity, patience, compassion.

    Read More

  • Machiavelli: The Characteristics Of Being A Good Prince

    1526 Words  | 7 Pages

    This is a work that still influences us today and is still relevant in today’s complex society. Some of the most prominent leaders of the 20th century have been influenced by Machiavellian ideas. U.S Presidents like Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton and U.K Prime Minister Anthony Blair are called Machiavellian leaders today. According to Machiavelli a prince must focus all his serious time and energy to war and how to wage it (Machiavelli, 31).

    Read More

More about Lao Tzu Vs Machiavelli

Open Document