Lao-Tzu: Characteristics of a Good Leader

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Recommended: Importance of leadership to a society

Government is the essential power of a country, which directly influences society because it provides somewhat of a security blank for those who are affected by it. Lao-Tzu’s, “Thoughts from the Tao-te Ching,” along with Niccolo Machiavelli’s, “The Qualities of the Prince,” both discuss multiple characteristics that a leader should possess to be a successful. While their goal is similar, in which they both describe what it takes to become a better leader, their ideas concerning leading are conflicting.

Lao-Tzu, a Chinese Philosopher from Henan Province China, is known today as the author of, “Thoughts from the Tao-te Ching.” He is also recognized as a, “contemporary of Confucius.” He served as a keeper of the dynastic archives. Lao-Tzu works served as a basis for Taoism, a religion officially founded by the Chang Tao-Ling (“Lao-Tzu”).

Lao-Tzu’s works were created in the sixth century B.C., a time when the Near East for the first half of century was controlled by the Neo-Babylonian or the Chaldean Empire. During this time the Kingdom of Judah also came to an end. By the 540s the Babylonian rule was coming to an end, and was eventually replaced by the Persian Empire (Wikipedia Contributors.)

Niccolo Machiavelli, the author of, “Qualities of the Prince,” lived from 1469-1527. He was an Italian author, political figure, and grew to become of the most outstanding figures of the Renaissance (Barnett). Although part of an impoverished branch, he was fortunate to be affiliated with a distinguished family. When he entered the political field in Florence he quickly rose to an area of importance as the defense secretary. In 1512, when the Medici’ returned to Florence he was removed from his job, imprisoned, and tortured. He ne...

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...ks are definitely relevant to today’s society, and can be applied to many situations that we face as Americans today. Although the extremes of Lao-Tzu’s easygoing attitude and Machiavelli’s totalitarian concepts contradict each other, when there is common ground their ideas mesh to make a very well rounded leader.

Works Cited

Barnett, Vincent. "Niccolo Machiavelli -- the Cunning Critic of Political Reason." History Review 56 (2006): 6-9. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 23 Apr. 2011.

Baumgartner, Frederic, and Et Al. "Sixteenth Century." Le Poulet Gauche. Web. 27 Apr. 2011. .

"Lao Tzu." Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th Edition (2010): 1. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.

"Niccolò Machiavelli." Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th Edition (2010): 1. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 23 Apr. 2011.

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