...been based upon effective divisions of leadership. Accordingly, in their pieces of literature, The Tao-te Ching and The Qualities of the Prince, Lao-tzu and Machiavelli have sought to convey a more complete and concrete understanding of their respective definitions and duties of a ruler (leadership). The theme of political leaders and their intricate relationship with society indeed validate itself within both texts. However, both Lao-tzu and Machiavelli approach this issue from almost entirely opposite positions, though sharing minute similarities. Lao-tzu appears to focus the majority of his attention on letting problems or situations take their course, and consequently good would prevail. On the contrary, Machiavelli advocates the necessity for a successful leader, or prince, to take control of his deeds, and the skills or qualities necessary to maintain power. Since both writers propose a question as to what is in essence the same dilemma, effective leadership, it becomes almost natural literary etiquette to contrast the two in an effort to better understand what qualities a prosperous leader must possess. Despite each author’s contrasting approaches to rhetoric, they agree that a ruler should avoid being hated and despised, but disagree in areas such as government involvement in citizens’ everyday lives. In comparing Lao-tzu and Machiavelli in terms of governing standards, many may doubt that they are comparable in any aspect. Though their comparability is limited, one...
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...and Christianity)? Lao-Tsu (570-490 B.C.) wrote the following on the highest good in his Tao Te Ching: The highest good is like water. Water gives life to the ten thousand things and does not strive. It flows in places men reject and so is like the Tao. In dwelling, be close to the land. In meditation, go deep in the heart. In dealing with others, be gentle and kind. In speech, be true. In ruling, be just. In business, be competent. In action, watch the timing. No fight; no blame." Write an essay of 750-1,000 words discussing this idea. 1. Think about his meaning and how it might be similar or different than key ideas in seeking the highest good in both Confucianism and Christianity. The philosopher, Lao-Tzu, wrote about the highest good in his Tao Te Ching. Lao-Tzu was known as the father of Taoism; a philosophical and religious tradition that origins from China by Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu that emphasizes to live with the Tao in harmony (Taoism, n.d.). Taoism is known to go hand-in-hand with Confucianism which is a mainly characterized as Chinese philosophical and ethical system rather than a religion that was based on the teaching of the Chinese Philosopher known as Confucius (Berling, 1996). This is due to the fact that it was more of a common moral understanding and not having a separate church but rather is known through society, school, state, and family. Lao-Tzu wrote the small book Tao Te Ching which is known to be the most important book in Taoism, much...
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...nature, some easy to see like the progression of seasons, others not so much like the ripple of waves; and Yin and Yang, two opposing yet complimentary principles such as light and dark or hot and cold (Molloy, 2013.) The actual origins of Taoism are shrouded in mystery. The founder was Lao Tzu, meaning “old sage” (Chebucto.ns.ca, 2014) a legendary figure who may or may not have existed, and possible may be the blending of several historical figures (Molloy, 2013.) Lao Tzu, according to traditional stories, was born in the early sixth century BCE (circa 600 BCE) and worked as an archivist at the imperial court. Eventually Lao Tzu tired of his position and travelled to Western China, where he was stopped by a guard and asked to write his teachings down. This writing, which consisted of five thousand Chinese characters, became the Tao Te Ching (The Way and Its Power, considered to be one of the central scriptures of Taoism (Chebucto.ns.ca, 2014.) In many of the myths and stories that have grown up since then Lao Tzu is said to have become the human incarnation of the Tao who is still worshipped as divine by many people (Molloy, 2013.) Taoism was further developed by the writings of Chuang Tzu called Zhuangzi, another philosopher and scholar of the Warring States period, approximately the Third century BCE, whose origin and...
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...Thesis: The same path taken will not lead to the same destination This thesis is important to me. It is a commentary on our humanity and both our common and disparate journeys. In our collective sojourns not everyone will arrive at the same destination even though the same path was taken. Is this statement altruistic or naïve? I think this comment is about humanity at its best. Conformity is not an answer but a compromise. Mediocrity is another outcome of taking the same path with the expectation of arriving at the same destination. The same path will not lead to the same destination, and for one, I am thankful. My perspective about the path. The metaphor here is life. We often compare and contrast life with being a journey. In his essay “The World as I see it” by Einstein (1931) he stated,”How strange is the lot of us mortals! Each of us is here for a brief sojourn, for what purpose he knows not, though he sometimes thinks he senses it.” (This is a marvelous essay by the way!) Even a short sojourn is still a life. Life for each person is an experience unto itself. I shall not be another person and they shall not be me. Even though the path I tread on stones worn smooth by the passage of time, I shall not reach the same destination as those many others who came along this way headed for the same destination. The Path. As a journey or by definition: “an act of traveling from one place to another”. This analogy merits comment. Going from one point to...
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...BATMAN AND PHILOSOPHY THE DARK KNIGHT OF THE SOUL Edited by Mark D. White and Robert Arp @ WILEY John Wiley & Sons, Inc. To the memory of Heath Ledger (1979-2008) Copyright © 2008 by john Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved Published by john Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New jerney Published simultaneously in Canada No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a reaieval system, or transmit ted in any fonn or by any means. electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scan ning, or otherwise, except as pennitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written pennission of the Publisher, Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvern, MA 01923, (978) 750-8400, fax (978) sion should be addressed to the Pennissions Department,john Wiley & Sons,Inc., III or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright 646-8600, or on the web at www.copyright.com. Requests to the Publisher for pennis River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, (201) 748-6011, fax (201) 748-6008, or online at http://www.wiley.comlgo/pennissions. Limit ofLiabilirylDisclaimer ofWarranry:While the publisher and the author have used their best efforts in preparing this book., they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this hook and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty...
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...Laura Galan (DRAFT) Introduction to Philosophy Philosopher Paper - Chuang-Tzu "The Chinese philosopher Chuang Tzu (ca. 369-ca. 286 BC), also known as Chuang Chou, was the most brilliant of the early Taoists and the greatest prose writer of his time." http://www.bookrags.com/biography/chuang-tzu/ "Not much is known of the life of Chuang Tzu. The Shih Chi (Historical Records, written about 100 BC) tells us that he was a contemporary of King Hui of Liang (370-319) and King Hsüan of Ch'i (319-301). Thus Chuang Tzu seems to have been a contemporary of Mencius (372-289), but neither was mentioned by the other in his extant writings. The Shih Chi also says that Chuang Tzu was born in Meng on the border of Shantung and Honan and that he held a petty official post for a time in Ch'iyüan. However, he seems to have lived most of his life as a recluse, "to be intoxicated in the wonder and the power of Nature." http://www.bookrags.com/biography/chuang-tzu/ It is said that Chuang Tzu did not desire material things and had little interest in occupying positions of high status. He rather cared, enjoyed and was mystified by dwelling in natures surroundings as well as the personal freedoms that it offered. He cared little for anything relating to positions of higher office. "When Chuang Tzu was about to die, his disciples expressed a wish to give him a splendid funeral. But Chuang Tzu said, With the heavens and earth itself for my coffin and shell; with the sun, moon, and...
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...(TCO 2) Almost always listed as important for leadership success is/are ____. (Points : 3) Basic intelligence Clear and strong values High level of personal energy All of the above Training Question 2.2. (TCO 2) Vince Lombardi had a _____ personality; his followers' goal was to be equal to their understanding of his ____. (Points : 3) Schizophrenic; needs Mercurial; orders Stoic; desires Charismatic; values and goals Difficult; deficiencies Question 3.3. (TCO 2) Concern for others requires _____ and ____, and the result is ____, which is the foundation of ____. (Points : 3) Experience and fortitude; learning; survival Patience and listening; trust; loyalty Discussion and contemplation; education; expression Time and place; emotion; community None of the above Question 4.4. (TCO 2) ____, ____, and _____ are traits found in charismatic leaders. (Points : 3) Education, opportunity, and attention to detail Training, sensitivity, and patience Experience, collaboration, and emotional stability Optimism, extroversion, and a sense of adventure None of the above Question 5.5. (TCO 2) Successful leaders today function more as _____ and ____, and less as ______ and ____. (Points : 3) Facilitators and teachers; enforcers and disciplinarians Experts and performers; coaches and guides Goal-directed...
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...this rule that the strength of the nation reached an unprecedented and unparalleled prosperity- corruption was out of sight, social order was secure and dependable, and foreign countries were even authorized to cross the national boundaries into China. Not only did China experience this exceptional social and economical triumph during the Tang dynasty, creative essence also flourished like never before. The Tang dynasty is known as being the Golden Age of Art and Literature for the Chinese. It is no question why poet Li Bai arose from this period, or why he was-and still is- praised and treasured by so many people. Taking traditional poetic form to a newfangled and unknown height, Li Bai created over 1,000 poems that modeled and celebrated the simple pleasures of life and the beliefs of Taoism (a philosophical and religious system that emphasizes harmonizing with the Tao.) This can be recognized in many of his writings, such as in “Drinking Alone in The Moonlight” and “Chuang Tzu and The Butterfly.” After the turmoil and unrest that all of China had faced previous to the Golden Age, Li Bai’s poems that reflected every day topics or themes such as romance, nature, beauty, natural death, and geographical destination, were particularly soothing to ingest. As Walt Whitman, the renowned American poet and journalist had also acknowledged, “simplicity is the glory of expression.” Although the exact date and location of Li Bai’s birth remains unknown, many speculate that he was born in the...
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...What Is Servant Leadership? Servant leadership is a philosophy and set of practices that enriches the lives of individuals, builds better organizations and ultimately creates a more just and caring world. While servant leadership is a timeless concept, the phrase “servant leadership” was coined by Robert K. Greenleaf in The Servant as Leader, an essay that he first published in 1970. In that essay, Greenleaf said: “The servant-leader is servant first… It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. That person is sharply different from one who is leader first, perhaps because of the need to assuage an unusual power drive or to acquire material possessions…The leader-first and the servant-first are two extreme types. Between them there are shadings and blends that are part of the infinite variety of human nature.” “The difference manifests itself in the care taken by the servant-first to make sure that other people’s highest priority needs are being served. The best test, and difficult to administer, is: Do those served grow as persons? Do they, while being served, become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants? And, what is the effect on the least privileged in society? Will they benefit or at least not be further deprived?“ A servant-leader focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong. While traditional...
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...Adlerisms 1. “I can think, I can wait, I can fast…” –Siddhartha 2. “Fate will unwind as it must…” -Beowulf 3. “A mistake is repeated until it is learned…” -Confucius 4. “My worst enemy, my best friend – myself…” -Henry Reyna – Zoot Suit 5. “Tender yourself more dearly!” -Polonius, Hamlet 6. “If you fail to prepare – prepare to fail…” -Steve Prefontaine, Olympic Gold Medalist 7. “Our intentions are far more different than our actions…” -Coach Adler LQHS 8. “Defeat distraction, or distractions will defeat you…” -Coach Adler LQHS 9. “Those who settle for less end with less…” -Coach Adler LQHS 10. “A good fall makes one wiser…” -Aesop 11. “If I were you I would turn back now and save some time and grief. Believe me; you’re heading in the wrong direction…” -Coach Adler LQHS, The Two Ants 12. “In the middle of the journey of our life – I came to find myself in a dark woods where the straightway was lost…” -Dante Alighieri 13. “Acta non verba” (Actions not words) -Latin Idiom 14. “Carpe diem” (Seize the day) -Latin Idiom 15. “A good student only needs to be told once!” -Coach Adler LQHS 16. “Every day wasted is another day you’ll never get back!” -Boyd Grant, Fresno State Basketball 17. “A future filled with regret is not a bright one…” -Koby Serreitelli 18. “If you remain organized you stay in control” -Elise Alverzez 2013 19. “Impossible is just a big word that gets thrown around by small...
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...Ashley Colvin Confucianism and Daoism (Taoism) REL 212: World Religion Instructor: Professor Joel Goldstein Daoism is one of China’s major religions indigenous to the country. The primary belief is in learning and practicing “The Way” (Dao) which is the ultimate truth to the universe. Confucianism and Taoism are both ancient Chinese styles of living. Confucianism believes in setting good examples for others to follow primarily in 5 key relationships: ruler & subject, wife & husband, older & younger sibling, friend & friend, father & son. While Daoism (Or Taoism) was a way of living in which there were not many rules and believes in the dialectical philosophy of inaction. Through nature and harmony you can be happy. This is where yin and yang come from. Daoism is also known as Taoism, Daoism traces its beginnings to Sixth Century BC when Chinese philosopher Laozi wrote the iconic book Dao De Jing on the tenets of the Dao. Laozi’s successor, Zhuangzi, further developed Daoist principles. Daoism is an organized religious tradition that has been continuously developing through China, Korea and Japan for a little over two thousand years. Daoism has now spread around the globe from Sydney to Toronto and includes among its followers people from a whole range of ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. Day by day, Daoism is truly becoming a...
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...patriotic slogans, I must succeed and my success will be measured by how much my bank account is! Is that really my purposeful life? Is that really what is wanted from me to do? Are those my standards of happiness, joy and prosperity, as most people agree? I always was busy in evoking these questions and if so, why then do I feel miserable and a loser? Why do I feel boring most of the time in this beautiful land, where I am living with people from different cultures and backgrounds, in spite of developing technology and high standards of living that surround me everywhere? Or maybe this bored feeling is a normal behavior of human kind! So why do I still complain? Isn’t that enough for me to be happy and to enjoy this beautiful land which has been built and organized by our best and brilliant people? What is missing? Why do I have such a lonely feeling from time to time? Why am I not satisfied with all what has been and still achieved in my beautiful land? In addition to all that, I had such a belief, which I inherited from my parents, offers me the least to continue, and inspire me to tolerate the hardship of life and live doing my commitments? So why I am not happy! Why do...
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...Parise Philosophy 80 – Intro to Religion Tao I have chosen the article of Taoism: The Tao Te Ching, and have decided to expand my knowledge in Taoism. The article begins with the introduction of Chinese philosophy, and enters the definition of Confucianism and Taoism. They continue with the definition, and explain that Chinese philosophy was interplayed by these two concepts. The article explains Confucianism is based on will and intuition, while Taoism are more concentrated in instinctiveness and intuition. These are important in Chinese philosophy, because China always questions balance. They give examples in the article by bringing yin and yang, light and dark, heat and cold, etc. The article tells a story about Lao Tzu who quit his occupation, and decided to go west to achieve solitude. He created the book The Tao Te Ching, which had been translated many times to show the importance and genius of the book. Before starting the essay, it is important to understand “Tao,” which is translated in English to way, or a synonym. The book begins with an introduction of The Tao Itself, and it explains to the readers how Tao works in our lives, and the infinite possibility of Tao. The author writes, “The Tao is like a well: used but never used up.” It compares Tao to the well, and no matter how many times it has been used; there would still be resources to use. Showing that Tao can never expire, and it continues by connecting the emptiness of the well is like an eternal void...
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...1. | Question : | (TCO 2) Almost always listed as important for leadership success is/are ____. | | | Student Answer: | | Basic intelligence | | | | Clear and strong values | | | | High level of personal energy | | | | All of the above | | | | Training | | Instructor Explanation: | p. 16 | | | | Points Received: | 3 of 3 | | Comments: | | | | 2. | Question : | (TCO 2) Vince Lombardi had a _____ personality; his followers' goal was to be equal to their understanding of his ____. | | | Student Answer: | | Schizophrenic; needs | | | | Mercurial; orders | | | | Stoic; desires | | | | Charismatic; values and goals | | | | Difficult; deficiencies | | Instructor Explanation: | p. 27 | | | | Points Received: | 3 of 3 | | Comments: | | | | 3. | Question : | (TCO 2) Regarding the importance of enthusiasm for leadership effectiveness, _____ said, "Good work is never done in cold blood; heat is needed to forge anything. Every great achievement is the story of a flaming heart." | | | Student Answer: | | Martin Luther King | | | | George Patton | | | | Harry Truman | | | | Colin Powell | | | | Eleanor Roosevelt | | Instructor Explanation: | p. 31 | | | | Points Received: | 3 of 3 | | Comments: | | | | 4. | Question : | (TCO 2) ____, ____, and _____ are traits found in charismatic leaders. | | | Student Answer:...
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...a thousand miles must begin with a single step.- Lao Tzu.” From the minute you were born, it is the first step in your personal journey. A personal journey is something everyone experience in their lifetime. This experience teaches us many things about ourselves and what’s important to have in our personal journey to succeed. Having a personal journey means that you become wiser and smarter because from the experience you learn skills that are important. A personal journey is one that teaches you to be honest, persistence, and to controlling and know your inner self. These three can be seen in the poem “From the Odyssey,” The Narrow Road of the Interior,” and Ted Talk “Success is a Continuous Journey.” Honesty is an important...
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