Comparing Machiavelli And Lao Tzu

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Although the literature of Machiavelli and Lao-Tzu undeniably differ on many subjects, both touch bases on many of the same topics. They share their thoughts on war, people, and being hated. Through Lao-Tzu's calm temperament, or Machiavelli's angered tone, both leaders put forth their opinions clearly and effectively. Lao-Tzu and Machiavelli's thoughts on war polarize in their beliefs. Lao-Tzu states, "Weapons are the tools of fear; a decent man will avoid them." and "... He enters a battle gravely, with sorrow and great compassion, as if he were attending a funeral" (Stanza 31, Page 24). Lao-Tzu clearly dislikes war, or any kind of violence. He compares it to a funeral; for example, death surrounds the battlefield, which advertently causes
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