The Master’s attitude towards action is very simple, “just stay at the center of the circle and let all things take their course” (Lao-tzu 23). Lao-tzu is in a way, saying that in order for life, in general, to work properly that there needs to be no interference. I believe that what he is saying makes sense in a way. When you have a problem in life, other try to step in and help you out when sometimes all you really need to do is to take control over the situation and lets things “take their course” (Lao-tzu 23). When you compare this to a government status such as Lao-tzu is doing, what comes to mind is the United States entering wars where it is not their place to be interfering with. In a way, this affects how we view our leader due to the way he handled these situations. If these situations had been handled in a way similar to what Lao-tzu is saying, there might have been more of a harmonious condition in the country, instead of anger and bitterness, which is what, comes to mind when the Iraq and Vietnamese Wars are brought up.
According to Lao-tzu, “She lets them go their own way, and resides at the center of the circle” (Lao-tzu 24). The Master’s action is to watch over what happens in a leader-like way but not to interfere with the outcome, but to try to guide the situation towards “harmony with the Tao” (Lao-tzu 26). I believe that the Master represents a force that takes action in a way that does not have an ultimate leadership presence, but is strong enough so that she is given the treatment and honor that an admirable leader should have.
Works Cited
Lao-tzu. “Thought from the Tao-te Ching.” A World of Ideas: Essential Reading for College Writers. Ed. Lee A Jacobus. Trans. Stephen Mitchell. 7th ed. New York; Bedford St. Martins, 2006. pp 22-31.
4 comments:
I was thinking along the same lines as you were when you were saying how our government is jumping into wars it doesn't belong in. I also thought it was kinda creepy how he says that when the nations in chaos patriotism is born, referring to the 9/11 attacks. Did you catch that one?
You brought up great points of how the Tao, if applied to the United States' issues, could hypothetically help the way our country functions and our feelings towards our leader. I wrote on this same question, but I never thought in terms of our country right now. I thought this was a good way to explain the affects of the Tao if used on something we all are familiar with and can visualize.
I believe that what he is saying makes sense in a way (Leigh’s bloge1). If that is make sense than why should you go to school or work just wait at home and every thing you are aiming to achieve will came to you; but that’s not the case. I agree with you that the master or government should not be involved in war that they do not have to be in or no need for it. But on the other hand you have to step for what you want or need and that required some action.
I like how you said it affects how we view our leader by the way they handle these situations. I agree with you on that. you did a good job showing how this compares to the government.
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