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Lao-Tzu: Warring States Period Of 476-221 BC China

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In the novel Tao Te Ching, the author, Lao-Tzu, discusses the concept of the Tao, a basic principle of life, and how everyone should live in harmony with or become a “master” of the Tao. Lao-Tzu believes a great leader and a great country are centered in the Tao. He also argues that leaders/the government should be unobtrusive and respect their people and find more peaceful solutions to problems rather than with weapons and violence and also offers many ways for leaders and governments to improve themselves in the text, specifically in the Warring States Period of 476 - 221 BC China. There are many works written about this topic. One of these is Hsiu-Chen Chang’s 1998 article “On the Historicity of the ‘Tao Te Ching’’' from the Penn State …show more content…

During the Warring States period, the government was very controlling of its people. The ruler in this period was the Qin, which was a harsh and authoritarian government. Between the harsh and strict rules and the heavy taxation of peasants by the Eunuchs, the people were very unhappy. This caused many revolutions. Lao-Tzu claims that a good leader is one who follows the Tao or is a “Master”. He claims “When the Master governs, the people are hardly aware that he exists. Next best is a leader who is loved. Next, one who is feared. The worst is one who is despised. If you don’t …show more content…

The Tao Te Ching is said to have been a political text as it criticized the government and leaders during the Warring States period. It also serves as a guide for leaders to follow. It says that leaders should not be obtrusive and forceful; they should respect, trust, and work with the people, keeping their best interest in mind. It also advocates for peace instead of war and violence. Knowing this background information can help the reader to better understand some of the reasons why the Tao Te Ching was written and who its intended audience was. In the Tao Te Ching, Lao-Tzu writes many ways for leaders and the government to improve themselves and be one with the Tao in the Warring States Period of 476 - 221 BC

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