Machiavelli And Lao-Tzu: A Literary Analysis

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In the political world the number of ruling options are radically different. All of the different theories of the best way to rule the people coexist in several countries. These theories have been popping up in the literature history since the first hieroglyphics were scratched onto walls. One leader, a whole council, equal treatments, torturous living conditions, the human race have been through a lot of horrible ideal of governments. For example, Adolf Hitler being the dictator of Germany, capturing several countries, and mass murdering millions of people if they were different from his view of how everyone should be. Ironically enough it has been noted that Hitler had a copy of Machiavelli’s Prince that he studied for becoming a great leader. …show more content…
When the thinkers shared their views of the main states occupation, they both mentioned serving the people. However, they don’t mean this in the same exact sense. Lao-tzu means to help side by side for the people, to care for them, and to help them be free in every way possible, “The Master leads by emptying people’s minds and filling their cores, by weakening their ambition and toughening their resolve. He helps people lose everything they know, everything they desire, and creates confusion in those who think that they know.” (2, 3) The best leader in Lao-tzu is one that is hardly noticed by its people. Machiavelli has a different idea of this; his leader is definitely seen by his people. The prince is always watching and commanding but it is meant to be in good standings, he just wants his people to always be prepared and to be happy. However, Machiavelli thinks happiness comes from high power, wealth, and complete control; a little bit different from Lao-tzu’s A.D. thinking. Yet, this is the one matter the great writers have in common, they both want the best for their people in sense of successful

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