Similarities Between The Odyssey And Tao Te Ching

It is said that the path to becoming an effective leader is a long and arduous journey. Leaders are thought to be individuals that are intelligent, cunning, and always thinking rationally to protect those beneath them. In Homer’s ancient epic, The Odyssey, and Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching, both authors describe the fundamental tools that create effective leaders. However, the tactics that each author choose to present are far different. The Tao Te Ching in my opinion, best describes an ideal leader, while the Odyssey sets an appalling example of how a leader should act. Now, the question may arise as to how the ideal leader can be defined. In Homer’s ancient epic, The Odyssey, the protagonist, Odysseus, is considered to be a leader for his tenacious …show more content…
The logic found within the fifty-seventh section of the Tao Te Ching focuses on the characteristics of leadership and how they align with the Tao’s teaching. This segment of the Tao Te Ching draws readers to think deeply about leaders across the modern world, and what society would be like if today’s leaders followed the teachings of the Tao. If we look at modern examples of leadership, it is apparent that rigid, dictatorial states, such as North Korea, are more dysfunctional, and full of uncertainties than several democratic nations. If we were to implement the teachings of the Tao into modern politics, the entire world would see a tremendous shift in overall harmony. Which would allow every race, religion, and person to coexist as one with nature. The environment Lao Tzu refers to represents leading without effort and having an absence of control within society. There is no need for fixed plans or complex concepts because when humans are one with nature, everything flows in perfect …show more content…
It is important to acknowledge that every great leader will have flaws. Odysseus’ character embodies many flaws that all humans have. Throughout The Odyssey, Odysseus is presented as a leader who is strategic, cunning and always looked out for the best interests of his men. However, there are many uncertainties that exist within his character, and often contradict his role as a leader and undermine his true potential.
Odysseus demonstrates both his leadership ability and his great uncertainties in the many scenes in Polyphemus's cave. His quick thinking, cunning words and strategic approach led him to swift victory over the towering giant. However, through extensive analysis of book nine, readers can truly see the many flaws within our protagonist’s character. At the beginning of the ninth book, we begin to see the great irresponsibility of Odysseus, as he listens to the pleas of his men to leave the cyclops’ island and ignores their