Question

instructions: follow your teachers instructions to read and annotate the sources according to the annotation purpose
document a: tao te ching - lao tzu, ch 57
which philosophy does this document represent? (circle one)
taoism confucianism legalism
rule a nation with justice.
wage war with surprise moves.
become master of the universe without striving.
how do i know that this is so?
because of this!
the more laws and restrictions there are,
the poorer people become.
the sharper mens weapons,
the more trouble in the land.
the more ingenious and clever men are,
the more strange things happen.
the more rules and regulations,
the more thieves and robbers.
therefore the sage says:
i take no action and people are reformed.
i enjoy peace and people become honest.
i do nothing and people become rich.
i have no desires and people return to the good and simple life.

1. according to this document, how can someone become \master of the universe\?
2. in what cases might this philosophy be useful? why? (government, school, class, athletics, etc)

Explanation:

1. The text directly states "Become master of the universe without striving."
2. Taoism's wu - wei concept implies that in government, over - regulation can be counterproductive. By reducing it, a more natural and harmonious development can be achieved, similar to how the sage in Taoism takes no action and people are reformed.

Answer:

1. Without striving.
2. In government - It may be useful in reducing over - regulation. Taoism's emphasis on non - action (wu - wei) suggests that too many laws and restrictions can lead to negative outcomes. Reducing excessive government intervention may allow people to thrive naturally. For example, in economic policies, less government interference might give the market more freedom to operate and grow.