Lao Tzu Materialism Analysis

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The idea of materialism is not present in many of the verses written by Lao-tzu. One of the ideas can be found in verse thirty-one when the elements of weapons and military are contemplated. It is stated that it should be all right to use a weapon when in the direst necessity, but only when used with a considerable amount of restraint. This differs from Lao-tzu’s typically standpoint of not using materials and weapons for violence. This, however, is a very minimal idea of materialism. Another idea the points towards a materialistic point of view is the idea of having a government. Lao-tzu discusses many ways of having a better government and making the people happy. The idea of getting rid of the government is barely mentioned. He states

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