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Lao-Tzu Vs Machiavelli

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The stories The Qualities of the Prince and Thoughts from the Tao-te Ching present to seemingly opposite views on how to rule and how to act as a ruler. Machiavelli and Lao-Tzu's principles differ on several levels of the fundamentals of ruling. MachIavelli believes that a ruler should be prepared for war and that a ruler should be in control of what his people think and know. However, Lao-Tzu believes that a ruler should not engage in war and that a ruler should be honest and let his people find their own way. The two pieces of writing review several topics that past, present, and future leaders have to deal with. One of the biggest topics in both of the pieces is war. Machiavelli states in his opening sentence that, "A prince, therefore, must not have any other object nor any other thought, nor must he take anything as his profession but war..." (pr. 1, 39). …show more content…
Lao-Tzu believes you should trust the people and be honest with them, while Machiavelli believes you should lie and manipulate to the people to further yourself. Everyone needs a ruler, someone to power over and take charge of the people, a leader. Lao-Tzu and Machiavelli view ruling over the people in two very different ways. Machiavelli states, "...his methods will always be judged honorable and will be praised by all; for ordinary people are always deceived by appearances..." (pr. 24, 49). Machiavelli believes that a king should make his people see him as honorable and that no person should say otherwise, Machiavelli states that a ruler should deceive his people to make him look honorable even if his actions are cowardly. Lao-Tzu states,
"If a country is governed with tolerance, the people are comfortable and honest" (sz. 38, 29). Lao-Tzu thinks a ruler must be tolerant and the people will become honest and comfortable in return. Lao-Tzu believes a ruler should be tolerant with his

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