The seemingly crucial need for success in people’s lives grows while being paralleled by the void that simply desires more success. Although success may be one of the main cornerstones of western society, it can be somewhat damaging to the individual. This frequently occurs due to the willingness people have to conform to the expectations and norms of the people around them and society at large. The subtly of these expectations allows them to pass unnoticed while they truly control most people, going against Western Societies seemingly free and open foundation. However, it is possible to find freedom and harmony in the face of western problems by looking to basic Taoist principles and into the text of the Tao Te Ching.
Embracing the Tao will require one to ignore several basic western ideas that have been subtly ensued in the mind through media, peers and experience. And by ignoring these concepts the world may be seen for how it truly is. Complexity and…show more content… More often than not in western culture, these lead one to desire beauty, wealth, strength and happiness. Unfortunately they also have ever so subtle implications to things such as economic status, race, culture, gender and a host of others. Due to all these ideals being mostly presented unintentionally, they tell a great deal about the subconscious operation of western society. Thus, a light is shined upon how truly flawed that society is. Setting many ideals that are physically impossible to meet, and the ones that are possible have no limit to them. Of course Lao Zi warns of this danger, when it is said to “Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill…Chase after money and security and your heart will never unclench.” (Lou Zi, 9). Clearly this implies in spite of the productiveness of western idealism, it can be become empty in meaning, and only increase the void of the
