Lao-tzu: Thoughts from the Tao-te Ching

According to Lao-tzu, moderation is important in government because an overpowering government would handicap the people. If the government becomes too involved in society; such as increases taxes it can lead to poverty, people would go hungry and could potentially become homeless. Lao-tzu states that prohibitions cause people to be less effective, weapons cause people to be insecure, and subsidies cause people to not have self-reliance (27). An overpowering government only leaves people discouraged and resentful. A government wants to be liked by his people not despised, by the government taking control and not just sitting back taking trust in people causes serious issues between the two.

Lao-tzu believes in one’s individual freedom, the government should not make promises to provide individuals with things they do not need, but instead shall provide individuals with things they do need. Lao-tzu implies in order to be a good leader you must learn to follow Tao (27). The government’s job is not to control people, but to let go. From the readings Thoughts from the Tao-te Ching, I am under the impression that Tao is the practice of good government and the moral behavior of government. Government should practice Tao like the Masters Lao-tzu describes in his writings because government practicing Tao would allow people to be content individuals, who would cause a content society, and eventually would lead to a content nation.

“Lao-tzu argues that by keeping people unaware that they are being governed, the leader allows the people to achieve good things for themselves (Jacobus 20).” This means that the government stays in the shadows while allowing the people to believe they achieved something on their and allows them to feel good about their achievement. Lao-tzu believes instead of the government educating people, the government teaches the people to not-know (29). This just means that people having too much knowledge leads to confusion and chaos.
“If you want to govern the people, you must place yourself below them. If you want to lead the people you must learn how to follow them (Lao-tzu 30).” Lao-tzu is trying to say government should not feel the need to be more intelligent or richer than an individual; government must place themselves below an individual in society to gain their respect. Once government has applied all the lessons of Tao to his governing people become grateful and respectful. The government and the people create an agreement, the government doesn’t horde the people and puts his trust in them and the people take respect in that trust and continue to do the right thing, while the government keeps an eye out.


Jacobus , A. Lee. A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. “ Lao-tzu: Thoughts from the Tao-te Ching” 7th ed. New York, 2007. (pp. 20-30)

Lao-Tzu. "Thoughts from the Tao-te Ching." A World of Ideas “Essential Readings for College Writers”. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. Trans. Stephen Mitchell. 7th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2006. Pp20-30.