Not sure Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Not sure - Essay Example This is based on the fact that it is the responsibility of leaders to protect and care for their subjects, failure to do so, they desist from becoming leaders. Laozi on the other hand believes on a cautious approach, insisting on taking a spiritual approach in problems of governance within a state (Raz, 91). Looking at these different approaches in their philosophical views, this paper analyzes their differences, similarities, and concludes by taking a position on which is the best form of Daoism. Laozi believes that it is impossible to see, hear, feel or name the Dao. He believes that Dao existed before the earth and heaven ever became, and it is the foundation of all laws operating under the sky, on earth, and amongst human beings. According to Laozi, Dao is impartial, and everyone is equal under it. It is the source of everything, and it can be found anywhere under the earth, on earth, at the sky, even in the heaven (Raz, 31). On this basis therefore, Dao is beyond word, descripti on or any form. This argument advocated by Lao, is similar to the argument advocated by Mencius. Mencius equates Dao, with destiny. According to Mencius, destiny is unseen, and natural, and no one can rebel against it, and succeed. To him, destiny shapes the life of mankind, and it is different from fate (Palmer, 31). Analyzing these sentiments closely, one would denote that destiny, according to Mencius existed before life, and it is a factor that shapes the life of mankind. These are similar arguments taken by Laozi, and on this note, there philosophical arguments are similar. Laozi and Mencius take a different approach in identifying the characteristics of human lives. They have different definitions of the aspect. For instance, Laozi denotes that human beings who identify with Dao are not selfish, because they put their self-interests as the last option. They are ignorant and non-attached to the conditions of their lives (Palmer, 29). This people do not discriminate any situatio n in their lives, and welcome anybody who wants to associate with them, without prejudicing or discriminating them. According to Laozi, an individual has so much, but he doesn’t need excess (Palmer, 63). He just needs what he can use for the moment. Laozi denotes that all human beings are ordinary; despite this they are still important and precious. On this note, they must endeavor to seek the Dao with passion and diligently. On this basis therefore, human beings who identify with Dao will manage to live in peace, in health, and in happiness. Mencius on the other hand believes in the class system, and categorizes people into gentlemen, and ordinary people (Raz, 93). He denotes that ordinary people can be influenced by material things, while gentlemen cannot be influenced by material things. Mencius believes that for leaders to rule, they must look for ways of satisfying the material needs of people. By doing this, they won’t live in fear of wars, or assassinations. Men cius believes that an individual does not need to be spiritual in order to achieve peace, happiness, harmony and health. To him it is a matter of good governance, and stable leadership that is centered on serving the people, and founded on a strong family values and backgrounds. For instance, Mencius believes that the family is a unit that measures the prosperity and stability of a state (Palmer, 28). To him, if a family is materially and physical successful, then the state will