Lao-Tzu: The Moderation of Rule

Ruling a country effectively is executed through a variety of methods. Lao-Tzu, a follower of Taoism, expresses his belief on the most efficient way to govern. "The more prohibitions you have, the less virtuous people will be. The more weapons you have, the less secure people will be. The more subsidies you have, the less self-reliant people will be" (25). This quote from Lao-Tzu can be interpreted many different ways. The author discusses what he feels …

…For governing a country well there is nothing better than moderation" (26). These statements have strong political importance but they are impractical in most societies. The American society has been developed to depend on the government for certain necessities. Lao-Tzu's society requires the people to have a strong sense of self-control and self-reliance. A society such as Lao-Tzu's will be very prosperous and successful if it was developed with these ideals from the beginning. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**