Politics vs the Tao
Thoughts on how governance should be guided by the essentials of Taoism, mostly:
- Yin/Yang
- Wu Wei
A society can be seen as an individual, just as an individual can be seen as a collection of components - each component in both the society and the body has its purpose, can be expected to behave a certain way within its context, and may cause disruption when it does something unexpected or unintended. Thus, an effective, sustainable technique to promote society may incorporate ideas similar to those adopted by Taoist practice (including attitude, diet, and action).
It is important for a government to have patience with itself. If it acts reluctantly, then the people will be able to live their own lives, and will worry less about what the government is doing. Thus, the government has more time to act in its own time.
Some (directly) relevant passages:
[57]
_ Use the expected to govern the country,
Use surprise to wage war,
Use non-action to win the world.
How do I know?
Like this!
The more prohibitions and rules, the poorer people become.
The sharper people's weapons, the more they riot.
The more skilled their techniques, the more grotesque their works.
The more elaborate the laws, the more they commit crimes. _
[58]
_ If government is muted and muffled
People are cooled and refreshed.
If government investigates and intrudes
People are worn down and hopeless. _
[60]
_ Govern big countries
Like you cook little fish. _
Perhaps this is a good place to start thinking about how democracy could be best structured. I will take my interest in the Tao as an assumption for the system, in Taoism Of Democracy.
(See also: Laws Vs Communication The Two Invisible Hands Of Capitalism )
