Lao Tzu Old Master Thoughts From The Tao-Te Ching Analysis
Paige Eberle
Professor Powell
English 105
1 September, 2011
Tao Te Ching
Underneath the mysterious language, numerous paradoxes, and ambiguity of the Tao Te Ching lies a helpful, concise passage and interesting way of life. Its complex yet simple verses can give one great insight on moral behavior and righteousness, how to live life simply, face and deal with struggles in both society as a whole and our daily lives, and how civilization should be governed. Written by Lao Tzu, meaning Old Master, Thoughts from the Tao-Te Ching is just a small excerpt from the 81 chapter philosophical document. The central teachings of this chapter include compassion, simplicity, and patience in order to be “at one” with the Tao and seek enlightenment. …show more content…
One must be able to admit and accept their own flaws and be loving towards their enemies whom also contain imperfections. Humans need to give up the concept that we have enemies in front of us, and learn to get past the differences. This claim is supported by “Therefore the Master concerns himself with the depths and not the surface, with the fruit and not the flower” (Stanza 38). Compassion is about looking internally and putting others before ourselves. We as humans need to attain compassion for others and see ones beauty for what’s on the inside rather than outside. Rather than fighting with others, we need to work on ourselves for personal growth and reconcile with people. We need not concern ourselves with the enemy or perceive that individual as such, for they are people just like us. The importance of compassion also plays a role in war, “His enemies are not demons, but human beings like himself. He doesn’t wish them personal harm. Nor does he rejoice in victory. How could he rejoice in victory and delight in the slaughter of men?” (Stanza 31). This quote is stating that we are all humans despite our differences. War is only an option in the direst necessity, and when entering war we must have compassion for the other side. We must not rejoice in victory because killing is not good in any
Professor Powell
English 105
1 September, 2011
Tao Te Ching
Underneath the mysterious language, numerous paradoxes, and ambiguity of the Tao Te Ching lies a helpful, concise passage and interesting way of life. Its complex yet simple verses can give one great insight on moral behavior and righteousness, how to live life simply, face and deal with struggles in both society as a whole and our daily lives, and how civilization should be governed. Written by Lao Tzu, meaning Old Master, Thoughts from the Tao-Te Ching is just a small excerpt from the 81 chapter philosophical document. The central teachings of this chapter include compassion, simplicity, and patience in order to be “at one” with the Tao and seek enlightenment. …show more content…
One must be able to admit and accept their own flaws and be loving towards their enemies whom also contain imperfections. Humans need to give up the concept that we have enemies in front of us, and learn to get past the differences. This claim is supported by “Therefore the Master concerns himself with the depths and not the surface, with the fruit and not the flower” (Stanza 38). Compassion is about looking internally and putting others before ourselves. We as humans need to attain compassion for others and see ones beauty for what’s on the inside rather than outside. Rather than fighting with others, we need to work on ourselves for personal growth and reconcile with people. We need not concern ourselves with the enemy or perceive that individual as such, for they are people just like us. The importance of compassion also plays a role in war, “His enemies are not demons, but human beings like himself. He doesn’t wish them personal harm. Nor does he rejoice in victory. How could he rejoice in victory and delight in the slaughter of men?” (Stanza 31). This quote is stating that we are all humans despite our differences. War is only an option in the direst necessity, and when entering war we must have compassion for the other side. We must not rejoice in victory because killing is not good in any