Notable Quotable: Lao-Tzu On Triumph in War
Lao-Tzu was a Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism who lived circa 565 B.C.
The practice of Taoism involves living in harmony with nature and practicing The Three Jewels: to live with compassion, kindness, and love; to practice moderation, simplicity, and frugality; and to express humility and modesty.
Lao-Tzu would wonder why 28 conflicts rage in our modern world today. His words about war and triumph remain relevant and useful for anyone seeking resolution in any of these tragic conflicts.
"One who would guide a leader of men in the uses of life
Will warn him against the use of arms for conquest.
Even the finest arms are an instrument of evil;
An army's harvest is a waste of thorns.
In times of war, men civilized in peace,
Turn from their higher to their lower nature.
But triumph is not beautiful.
He who thinks a triumph is beautiful is one with a will to kill.
The death of a multitude is cause for mourning.
Conduct your triumph as a funeral.
A sound leader's aim is to open people's hearts,
Fill their stomachs, calm their wills, brace their bones,
And so to clarify their thoughts and cleanse their needs
That no cunning meddler could touch them:
Without being forced, without strain or constraint.
Good government comes of itself."
— Lao-Tzu
Slipstream
Brilliant! If only we had this type of sanity. But then again, I don't think we ever have.
Wilsons Grave
I like his last paragraph that offers a solution. Take care of people, open up their hearts. We do that and no one would fall for that cunning meddler.
Well Street
Reading these words of Lao-Tzu, I'm reminded of how Scott Galloway describes masculinity (Galloway wrote a book last year about the decline of young men, its social and financial implications for the country, and how it often leads them to become radicalized).
Leadership with open and authentic communication, a skill set and desire to resolve conflicts, and unapologetic empathy are some of the qualities he believes the truly masculine bring to the table.