Lao-Tzu, Machiavelli, and the American Government Essay...

Lao-Tzu, Machiavelli, and the American Government Lao-Tzus Thoughts from the Tao-te Ching and Machiavellis The Qualities of a Prince both have the ultimate goal of making better leaders. The tactics that each writer chooses to present as a guide for the leader are almost opposite of each other. Todays American government would benefit from a combination of the two extreme ideas. Lao-Tzus laissez-faire attitude towards the economy, as well as his small scale, home defense military is appealing to a liberal person. Machiavellis attitude towards miserliness and lower taxes, while being always prepared for war, would appeal to a conservative person. The writers are in agreement on some issues, such as taxes, but other ideas,†¦show more content†¦Ultimately, he believes the leader should do and say anything to keep the people happy, but when it comes down to it, what makes them happy may not be best for the state as a whole. An even mixture of both of these theories is the best for America. Something that our leaders in t he United States in past years aimed for is middle of the road politics, appealing to both liberals and conservatives. Although I do not believe Machiavellis honesty policy would go over too well in the United States, I am sure his tactics are used by politicians in creating an appearance that people want to see. A good combination for our government today is for the president to not be personally armed, but have protection. He does not constantly train for war, but has an appointed official dedicated for that purpose. In contrast to both writers, I believe the American people today are neither inherently good nor evil exclusively, but we all want what we perceive as a better life for ourselves and our families. As you can imagine, any government today that exclusively follows the recommendations of either Lao-Tzu or Machiavelli would undoubtedly fail. If Lao-Tzus philosophy alone is followed, the leaders would leave the state open for an outside attack. On the other hand, if Machiavellis tactics are used, the leaders would be in a constant state of paranoia, and the people would live in fear. Clearly, we see that no government or leader isShow MoreRelatedAmerican Government in Contrast to Lao-Tzu and Machiavelli Essay832 Words   |  4 PagesAmerican Government in Contrast to Lao-Tzu and Machiavelli In comparing and contrasting the governmental philosophies of the great thinkers Lao-Tzu and Machiavelli, I have found a pleasant mix of both of their ideas would be the best for America today. Lao-Tzu’s laisse-faire attitude towards the economy, as well as his small scale military is appealing to my liberal side, while Machiavelli’s attitude towards miserliness which causes low taxes appeals to the right wing. 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