The Common Man
Over on slacktivist I had occasion to comment using the Tao Te Ching's take on war (chapter 31). Basically it's a last resort that you should look upon as a failure in that you needed to resort to war.
But in searching for the specific quote I wanted I was reminded by how much our current administration is so opposite of the teachings of the Tao Te Ching. A very brief primer: The Book of the Way and Virtue, as it can be translated, basically puts forth "The Way" (Tao) and how the sage lives the Way in everyday life. It's not just the unawake, the petty and the everyday person who are contrasted to the sage but also the ruler. The ruler in order to bring peace and prosperity to his land is urged to learn of Tao and to apply it to his decisions.
Alas for us we do not have the sage to guide our nation; we have George Bush, the common man.
Next post: War and the Way.
But in searching for the specific quote I wanted I was reminded by how much our current administration is so opposite of the teachings of the Tao Te Ching. A very brief primer: The Book of the Way and Virtue, as it can be translated, basically puts forth "The Way" (Tao) and how the sage lives the Way in everyday life. It's not just the unawake, the petty and the everyday person who are contrasted to the sage but also the ruler. The ruler in order to bring peace and prosperity to his land is urged to learn of Tao and to apply it to his decisions.
Alas for us we do not have the sage to guide our nation; we have George Bush, the common man.
Next post: War and the Way.
