Mencius's and Laozi's Philosophical Views on Daoism - Essay Example

Laozi and Mencius: This paper examines Mencius’s and Laozi’s philosophical views on Daoism. Daoismis a philosophical thought that advocates for harmony among the lives of people. Daoism refers to the principles, paths and ways of life. Mencius and Laozi have different ideas and philosophies on how people ought to live. For instance, in governance, and role of leaders, Mencius takes a radical stand whereby he supports the involvement of the masses in a political process, and if leaders are tyrants, then the best option is to overthrow their leadership. This is based on the fact that it is the responsibility of leaders to protect and care for their subjects, failure to do so, they desist from becoming leaders. Laozi on the other hand believes on a cautious approach, insisting on taking a spiritual approach in problems of governance within a state (Raz, 91). Looking at these different approaches in their philosophical views, this paper analyzes their differences, similarities, and concludes by taking a position on which is the best form of Daoism. Laozi believes that it is impossible to see, hear, feel or name the Dao. He believes that Dao existed before the earth and heaven ever became, and it is the foundation of all laws operating under the sky, on earth, and amongst human beings. According to Laozi, Dao is impartial, and everyone is equal under it. It is the source of everything, and it can be found anywhere under the earth, on earth, at the sky, even in the heaven (Raz, 31). On this basis therefore, Dao is beyond word, description or any form. This argument advocated by Lao, is similar to the argument advocated by Mencius. Mencius equates Dao, with destiny. According to Mencius, destiny is unseen, and natural, and no one can rebel against it, and succeed. To him, destiny shapes the life of mankind, and it is different from fate (Palmer, 31). Analyzing these sentiments closely, one would denote that destiny, according to Mencius existed before life, and it is a factor that shapes the life of mankind. These are similar arguments taken by Laozi, and on this note, there philosophical arguments are similar. Laozi and Mencius take a different approach in identifying the characteristics of human lives. They have different definitions of the aspect. For instance, Laozi denotes that human beings who identify with Dao are not selfish, because they put their self-interests as the last option. They are ignorant and non-attached to the conditions of their lives (Palmer, 29). This people do not discriminate any situation in their lives, and welcome anybody who wants to associate with them, without prejudicing or discriminating them. According to Laozi, an individual has so much, but he doesn’t need excess (Palmer, 63). He just needs what he can use for the moment. Laozi denotes that all human beings are ordinary; despite this they are still important and precious. On this note, they must endeavor to seek the Dao with passion and diligently. On this basis therefore, human beings who identify with Dao will manage to live in peace, in health, and in happiness. Mencius on the other hand believes in the class system, and categorizes people into gentlemen, and ordinary people (Raz, 93). He denotes that ordinary people can be influenced by material things, while gentlemen cannot be influenced by material things. Mencius believes that for leaders to rule, they must look for ways of satisfying the material needs of people. By doing this, they won’t live in fear of wars, or assassinations. Mencius believes that an individual does not need to be spiritual in order to achieve peace, happiness, harmony and health. To him it is a matter of good governance, and stable leadership that is centered on serving the people, and founded on a strong family values and backgrounds. For instance, Mencius believes that the family is a unit that measures the prosperity and stability of a state (Palmer, 28). To him, if a family is materially and physical successful, then the state will be successful. Mencius emphasizes on the need to serve an individual’s parent, as the greatest service of all. To him, good governance starts from the family, and then extends to the whole state. This teaching contradicts the teaching of Laozi who takes a spiritual stand in his explanation on how to achieve peace and harmony within a state. To Laozi, it is not the family, but an individual’s realization of himself by cultivating his Dao that would ensure peace and prosperity within a state (Raz, 21). Mencius and Laozi both advocate for peace in their teachings. Though they take a different approach on how to achieve this peace; their teachings center on the importance of being humane in achieving the said peace. For instance, Laozi teaches that a human being must not discriminate or prejudice his fellow human being. By doing this, he would be able to gain happiness and satisfaction in the physical and spiritual life (Palmer, 37). Mencius on the other hand believes that to achieve peace, the principle of kindness must be portrayed in a rulers relationship with his family and subjects. Mencius believes that if a ruler is kind, then others within the state will follow his example and reciprocate his kindness to their subjects. The results of this will be peace. On this note therefore, Mencius believes that peace is brought forth by the family unit, and the rulers within a state, but Laozi believes that peace is brought by an individual, and his ability to put himself right with the Dao (Raz, 41). In conclusion, the best form of Daoism is the one advocated for by Mencius. This is because his philosophical teachings are practical, and easily proved. For instance, he denotes that the society shapes the behavior and believes of an individual. This is depicted on his teachings of the family. Mencius is right on this note, because the family as a social unit plays an important role in shaping the behavior of an individual. It is from the family that an individual is corrected and taught upon the good moral values of a society. Whoever comes from unstable family, chances are high that his life will be full of hardships and bitterness. On this basis therefore, Mencius teachings depict the best practices of Daoism. Works Cited: Palmer, David A.. Daoism in the twentieth century: between eternity and modernity. Berkeley, Calif.: Global, Area, and International Archive, University of California Press, 2012. Print. Raz, Gil. The emergence of Daoism creation of tradition. 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