Lao Tzu And Machiavelli Analysis - 1038 Words

There are many indescribable qualities that make a leader. However, a leader can be interpreted differently. A leader must ensure the safety of his subjects, however, there are different ways in which to do so. The absence of admirable leadership leads to chaos and social unrest. Within Lao Tzu’s Thoughts from the Tao-Te-Ching and Machiavelli’s The Prince, there are similar ideas surrounding the definition of a leader. They ultimately explore their idea of what an optimal government would be like; more specifically, what an ideal leader is and how they can maintain social tranquility. Even though both authors contemplate what a leader is, both of their opinions differ, and it is most transparent through their stance of war and their†¦show more content†¦Without peace, we cannot be content or satisfied. By using a hypothetical of the Master, a figure who is all knowing, it shows the audience how government should be. The Master is all knowing, he knows right fro m wrong. By doing this the audience is more attuned to hearing Lao Tzu’s points. If the Master is really virtuous as he is described we would expect him to be omniscient. Man is an enigma. Man is something vast, complicated, that philosophers have been trying to figure for centuries. Different minds have different perceptions. Lao Tzu, for instance, believed that government should trust its people, and not micromanage. He believed people are naturally good, but oppressing them brings out the worst in them. Rulers have to be humble and take care of their people, focusing on matters that are important to their people, not getting caught up in the affairs of other countries. â€Å"If you don’t trust the people/ you make them untrustworthy,† (Lao Tzu 58). This statement illustrates how a government is always on edge believing its citizens are going to do something, then they are. If one were to label someone as insane, then that person could not escape from the idea that they are insane. If a government were to control their citizens because they do not trust their citizens then they create a vast majority of laws, all citizens are forced to obey. Their sense of virtue is taken away,Show MoreRelatedEvaluating Historical Views of Leadership Essay1194 Words   |  5 Pages Evaluating Historical Views of Leadership March 9, 2014 University of Phoenix Evaluating Historical Views of Leadership This paper evaluates the leadership views of Plato, Aristotle, Lao-Tzu, and Machiavelli from the point of view of the modern military leader. The process of evaluation includes an examination of the commonalities and disparities between these views of leadership. The paper explores a definition of modern military leadership. The paper includes an assessment of theRead MoreOrganizational Behaviour Analysis28615 Words   |  115 PagesORGANISATIONAL ANALYSIS: Notes and essays for the workshop to be held on 15th - 16th Novemeber 2007 at The Marriot Hotel Slough Berkshire SL3 8PT Dr. Lesley Prince, C.Psychol., AFBPsS University of Birmingham November 2007  © Dr. Lesley Prince 2007. Organisational Analysis: Notes and Essays Page i Page ii Please do not attempt to eat these notes. CONTENTS Introduction to the Workshop Topics And Themes The Nature and Scope of Organisation Theory Levels of Analysis The Metaphorical