Taoism vs Machiavell-ism

     The writings of Lao-Tzu give a brief outline of the fundamentals of the Tao.  His writings are meant to serve as a set of guidelines for effective ruling while also teaching readers how to live peaceful and happy lives.  His teachings depict a world of peace, harmony, and oneness but in comparison to modern society can come off as a ideological impossibilities. Machiavelli's The Prince also targets rulers but from a point of view grounded in the harsh realities of the world as it is.  Machiavelli discusses the ideas of peaceful, just, and kind leadership, and defines them as impossible and unrealistic.  His belief is that, in the real world, humans are intolerable and must be treated as the flawed subjects that they are.  This is in contradiction to Lao-Tzu but they both make very  valid statements.

     In a world prior to modern societies, governments, wars, and technologies, Lao-Tzu provides intelligent and reasonable advice.  The central theme of Lao-Tzu's writings can be seen in this passage: "Throw away holiness and wisdom, and people will be a hundred times happier.  Throw away morality and justice, and people will do the right thing.  Throw away industry and profit, and there won't be any thieves." (24)  The idea that without potential for evil, it will not happen is a simple yet brilliant idea that goes against the fundamentals of modern society.  Prior to the development of nations and superpowers this logic could have prevented ages of war, death, and destruction.  Unfortunately for the twenty-first century, it is no longer possible to effectively act upon Taoist ideals and therefore, Lao-Tzu must give way to Machiavelli.

     Machiavelli created The Prince after many great nations had risen and fallen, giving him an edge on the development of practical leadership advice.  His teachings are based on a more cynical and negative view of human nature.  While Lao-Tzu teaches that human nature will lead to positive results, Machiavelli supports the idea that humans as a whole are inconsistent, ill-mannered, and not to be trusted with power over themselves. In The Prince he explains how to remain in power for the longest possible window of time through whatever means necessary.  Be it deceit or brute force, all things are forgiven as long as they ensure the security of one's nation and one's position of power.  In Today's society, this system of ruling is much more applicable than the Tao but this does not make it the best option in the world which has adopted a system of Globalization.