In an impermanent world, do we have to search for the meaning of life or does it come to us? Chuang Tzu, a Taoist, believes that a happy life comes from being with the Tao or the Way. It is about letting go the desires that come to us and changing our perspective to see the world in a larger picture. It is the growing attachment to these desires which hinder the ability to find the true nature or ultimate reality and despair and anxiety grows. To have a more meaningful and happier life is to not think of achieving a goal but to go with nature.…
One may consider the leadership philosophies, found within the Analects and the Dao De Jing, as being both demonstrably ineffective as well as surprising efficacious. Context and subjectivity are front and center when dealing with textual ideologies and the use of either of these philosophies is no different. While the two require a grueling amount of self-restraint, both diverge when explaining the position of where a ruler should be. Take for instance, a battle between two opposing forces. The Analects deems that the Junzi, or the exemplary person, must take direct control of the fighting.…
Robert Frost talks about a divergent road in the yellow wood, referring to two different paths that one could take. The two paths that could lead into completely different ideas of the world. Much like the views of Lao-Tzu and Niccolo Machiavelli, one believes in the power of love and the other the power of an iron first. Lao-Tzu takes the role of a classic Gandhi Complex. He almost seems to view the world by separating himself from the world.…
“The wisdom of admitting your weakness and correcting them through continuous learning means leadership.” – A. James. When I read this aphorism it immediately clicked with me because this is something I had to learn to do to become a good leader. A leader isn’t someone who bosses people around to do things that will just benefit them.. A leader is someone who learns from their weaknesses and inspires others to better themselves.…
In China's ancient culture, there were many schools of thought, but the most important two thoughts are Ru tradition from “The Analects” and Daoist School from “Tao Te Ching”, which were created by Confucius and Laozi. Confucius promotes a hierarchical and moral society based on propriety while Laozi promotes a classless and simple social life. Although they seem to be two contradictory propositions, they both claim to go back and rebuild the lost Golden Ages through the way. Confucius advocated going back to an ideal society where people followed propriety. This is shown in the text when Duke Jing of Qi asks Confucius about governing.…
While analyzing the Tao-te-Ching, many major themes are apparent. From the inevitability of change to the importance of non-action, the Tao-te-Ching is truly full of life lessons that deserve extensive analysis; however, one of the most prevalent and recurring themes is balance and its importance. Throughout Cultural Perspectives, many authors have addressed this same theme. Siddhartha Gautama Buddha, Plato, and Saint Augustine have all discussed this important topic; however, Aristotle best complements and contrasts Lao Tzu’s Tao-te-Ching in his work Nichmachean Ethics. When comparing and contrasting these two texts, one can see that these two authors had very similar ideas on the concept of balance. When comparing the two texts’ thoughts…
Moreover, since The Tao can be contradicting, it has a relationship with non-presence which is known as “Wu” and presence known as “You”. While these two terms counter one formed. Tzu expands upon the important relationship between the two terms in chapter 11. He uses an analogy to show how one cannot exist without the other. One analogy in the poem is, “Clay is molded to make a pot, but it is in the space where there is nothing that the usefulness of the clay pot lies” (70).…
In Chapter Three of Tao te Ching, Lao-Tzu expresses his wariness for change. He believes that interfering with the present status of the nature can be detrimental to the total well-being of this universe. According to Tzu, this world is operating in a state of balance upon which any action, if not carefully considered, can lead to serious repercussions. An action that can cause a tilt in the normal status of the earth can result into an avalanche of tribulations beyond control. He argues that the very best thing human should practice is “not-doing” (wu wei).…
Dr. Martin Luther King said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy”. In the time of need your leadership skills should outweigh your fear or anything else. Being a leader means you can step up at anytime and direct people to do important things. Dr. King was a leader and in times of pressure he definitely showed up and presented his leadership. Being a leader is a job for people who are confidence in everything they do and will do anything to get their or their people point across.…
During, the school day I demonstrate leadership, by helping other and pointing people in the right direction. Also, by being actively involved in schools clubs and organizations. Personally, for me summer is mostly about relaxing. working and helping others. Meaning, that I am not always acting as a leader, because sometimes leaders need breaks and other people need opportunities to be leaders.…
Name: Zichao Lan SID: 861120291 English 1B Instructor: Colin Innes The First Paper Question: The paper is based on question 2 and 4 under the Critical Writing Questions.…
My Personal Leadership Philosophy and How it has Developed As a leader I am very unique. I hold strong personal values in the areas of trust, respect, and responsibility. I believe that no one person should be responsible for someone else, but that we have to grow up and learn to take care of ourselves. Prior to this course, I perceived leaders as people who told a group of people what to do in order to accomplish a task. When I was put in a leadership position I was always effective, but I never really took the thoughts or feelings of others into consideration.…
Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presents and making sure the impact lasts in your absence. Leaders throughout history are usually people who have failed, but have learned from their mistakes and have risen to great success. Many people expect a leader to be in a presidential form, or someone important in history. Well in my freshman year of high school I learned a lot about leaders. In my experience, a leader demonstrates someone who shows you new limits, is caring, and is a hard worker.…
A reader must examine Durning’s theory of overconsumption to become fully aware of Hardin’s false rhetoric. Metaphorically speaking, Hardin states that each rich nation should be seen as a lifeboat full of the wealthy people. Outside of each boat swims the poor of the nation. Each who would like to share in the wealth or possibly enter the boat.…
I can still remember the day when my parents told me the phrase, “You are a leader, not a follower.” It was in kindergarden right after I told them about a few girls who were making fun of a friend of fine, and I decided to stop them and defend her. When my parents told me that phrase, it definitely stuck with me throughout my life. I think that’s a phase most kids hear time to time in their childhood. It’s that phrase that makes you question, what it a leader?…