Lao-Tzu
...come one with the Tao. I look at some of the aspects of the Tao, and I see fundamentals that can be utilized to better society, such as moderation of government and close relations with other human beings. Recently, I read some of the teachings of Buddha, an ancient philosopher of the east, and was able to pinpoint concepts that I had not seen before. While both these men dealt with schemes involving enlightenment, I noticed that Lao-Tzu took on a more family and community oriented approach to becoming one with the world, while Buddha’s teachings portrayed a lonelier, individual oneness. From Buddha’s “Meditation: A Path to Enlightenment,” it is stated that “Alone a man is born, and quite alone he also meets his death;” (574). The statement creates a dark image of oneness in a forlorn type of world. In contrast, Lao-Tzu states that people should “Delight in the doings of the neighborhood” and “take pleasure in being with their families…” (29). Here we see his regard for family and community ties. I feel that this is where the improvement of society begins. We, as humans, should use Lao-Tzu’s idea about human outreach and instill it in our fundamentals. When people are able to relate to and understand their neighbors and loved ones, hate will become less and less of an issue. Above, Buddha’s work is represented merely as a dark version of oneness. However, it goes beyond this in its spiritual message and shows some ideas that may further those of Lao-Tzu’s. It adds that one must not only keep strong ties with family and friends, but also that one must also look within oneself for spiritual enlightenment. Buddha gives his advice and states, “To unify and discipline my spirit I will strive” (575). He makes it an issue to seek individual order, which can be a supplement to Lao-Tzu’s idea on human relations. I agree, as well, with Lao-Tzu’s stand on government. I see no harm in a moderated form of it. There are certain extremes that exist in the governments of the world today. First, there are those who rule so strongly that the citizens of the country are virtually in bondage. They haven’t the freedom to voice their opinions in matters which will ultimately affect them. In contrast however, there are those governments that seem virtually nonexistent. Henry David Thoreau is one man who is famous for supporting this notion. He feels that he does not need to be “propertied” or “secondary at control.” In his essay, entitled “Civil Disobedience,” he states its ills and argues that ’That government is best which governs not at all’ (127). He feels that the government simply interferes with lives of its people, and is better left inactive. I, on the other hand, disagree with this. When a government does not pay enough attention to its citizens, it misses the whole point of government itself. President Lincoln said it best in the Gettysburg Address when he stated, “the government of the people” is “by the people” and “for the people.” A government is supposed to provide a well-balanced measure of authority, so as to rule in the best interest of its citizens. This is what Lao-Tzu proposes. He states, “For governing a country well there is nothing better than moderation” (26). Moderation in our society seems ideal. We may look at the United States government today, for example, and think about how they have our whole lives on a computer or how they can pinpoint our location at any given time. This scares many of us. But then we may look at all the problems we have in society, like crime and pollution, and wonder if the government is doing all it can. If we utilize Lao-Tzu’s theory of a medium, we could all benefit from the comfortable state of being it promotes. Thoreau’s “Civil Disobedience” can also give us some incite into how a government could be bettered, rather than just throwing it away. He believes greatly in the welfare of the people and their interests, which is very positive. He states, “Let every man make known what kind of government would command his respect, and that will be one step toward obta...