Question

period in order to compose a short answer question
instructions: follow your teachers instructions to read and annotate the sources according to the annotation purpose
document a: tao te ching - lao tzu, ch 57
which philosophy does this document represent? (circle one!)
taoism confucianism legalism
rule a nation with justice.
wage war with surprise moves.
become master of the universe without striving.
how do i know that this is so?
because of this!
the more laws and restrictions there are,
the poorer people become.
the sharper mens weapons,
the more trouble in the land.
the more ingenious and clever men are,
the more strange things happen.
the more rules and regulations,
the more thieves and robbers.
therefore the sage says:
i take no action and people are reformed.
i enjoy peace and people become honest.
i do nothing and people become rich.
i have no desires and people return to the good and simple life.

1. according to this document, how can someone become \master of the universe\?
2. in what cases might this philosophy be useful? why? (government, school, class, athletics, etc)

Explanation:

Taoism emphasizes simplicity, non - action (wu - wei), and harmony with nature. In governance, the idea of minimal intervention (as seen in "I take no action and people are reformed") can be useful. When a government has too many laws (as the text says "The more laws and restrictions there are, the poorer people become"), it can lead to negative outcomes. By following a more Taoist approach (less restrictive laws, more focus on natural order), a government might create a better - functioning society where people can thrive without excessive state interference.

Answer:

In government, this philosophy (Taoism) might be useful. Because when there are too many laws and restrictions (as per the text "The more laws and restrictions there are, the poorer people become"), it can cause problems. A Taoist approach of less - restrictive governance (like "I take no action and people are reformed") could lead to a more prosperous and harmonious society as people would not be burdened by excessive regulations.