The Right Power
The Right Power As years go by, violence continues to be an overwhelming problem in our society. In order for people to attain peace and contentment, violence will have to cease. Not only have communities tried to resolve this, but leaders also. Many important people have tried to come up with solutions to stop violence. Can violence be stopped with the right ideas? Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Lao-Tzu had some ideas of their own. For instance: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believes non-violence will decrease if the right leader is put into power; however, Lao-Tzu believes that the power of the state and power of the leaders should be minimized (Lao-Tzu 20). Dr. Martin Luther King’s “Letter From the Birmingham Jail,” and Lao-Tzu’s “Tao-te Ching” show many reasons and examples why their theories are correct and more reasonable. After reviewing both writings, King offers the best solution; take action, but nonviolently. In every situation, action should be taken to solve the problem: nonviolently or violently. Dr. Martin Luther King believes nonviolence is a key to having brotherhood and mutual understanding (110). With this is mind; each individual must work hard to achieve this goal. “Human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability; it comes through the tireless efforts of men willing to be co-workers of God, and without this ‘hard work,’ time itself becomes an ally of forces of social stagnation” (King 105-106).