Question

even though modern historians do not think laozi was a real person, they attribute a text to him called the dao de jing (dow duh jing). it is still read by people all over the world. read the passage from the dao de jing. then answer the question below.

make the state small and the people few. . . . although there are boats and carriages, they will not be ridden. although there is armor and weapons, they will not be used. . . .

they will think that their food is sweet, their clothes are beautiful, and their homes are comfortable, and their customs happy.

though neighboring states are in sight of one another and the sounds of the roosters and dogs heard by one other, the people of one will never visit the other, even as they grow old and die.

based on the passage, which of these statements would laozi probably agree with?

people should fight hard to win battles and earn money. the more power people have, the happier they will be.

people should not leave their home towns. if they see other people’s nice things, they will be less happy with what they have.

people should craft goods to trade with other states. if people trade, they can get beautiful clothes and better food.

Explanation:

To determine which statement Laozi would agree with, we analyze the passage:

• The first option promotes fighting and seeking power/money, which contradicts the passage's emphasis on not using weapons and simple living.
• The second option aligns with the passage: it says people should not leave home towns, and if they see others' nice things, they'll be less happy with their own. The passage describes people being content with their own food, clothes, homes, and customs, and not visiting neighboring states even as they grow old, suggesting avoiding comparison with others.
• The third option advocates trading with other states, but the passage shows a lack of interaction between neighboring states (people don't visit even when close), so this is inconsistent.

Answer:

B. People should not leave their home towns. If they see other people’s nice things, they will be less happy with what they have.