Topic > Leadership in the Thoughts of the Tao Te Ching and the Qualities of a Prince “Thoughts from the Tao Te Ching” by Lao Tzu and “Thoughts from the Tao Te Ching” by Machiavelli The Qualities of a Prince” both the ultimate goal of creating better leaders. The tactics that each writer chooses to present as guidance for the leader are almost opposite to each other. Today's American government would benefit from a combination of the two extreme ideas. Lao Tzu's laissez-faire attitude towards the economy, as well as his small-scale home defense army, appeals to a liberal person. Machiavelli's attitude towards greed and tax reduction, while always ready for war, would appeal to a conservative person. The authors agree on some issues, such as taxes, but other ideas, such as government involvement in citizens' daily lives, are completely opposite to each other. Lao-Tzu believes in moderation and small government. He states that a leader should stay in his country and govern only his people. He points out that when the maser rules, people should hardly be aware of its existence. A loved leader is better than a feared one. The worst is he who is despised (22). Lao-Tzu also believes that war is unnecessary when everyone follows the Tao. He states that “violence, even if well intentioned, always backfires on itself”; therefore, if you maintain a neutral position, you will not be harmed (24). He believes that people are inherently good and not greedy. Man's greed...