Position:Home>Philosophy> What kind of leaders would Obama, McCain, Palin and Biden be according to Lao Ts
Question: What kind of leaders would Obama, McCain, Palin and Biden be according to Lao Tsu's heirarchy of leader types!?
This was written 2400 years ago, but still applies very much today!. The editor of this translation says that there has not been a Type 1 leader in recent history!.
There are four types of leaders:
The best leader
is indistinguishable from the will
of those who selected her (him)!.
The next best leader
enjoys the love and praise of the people!.
The poor leader
rules through coercion and fear!.
And the worst leader
is a tyrant despised by the multitudes
who are victims of his power!.
What a world of difference
among these leaders!
In the last two types,
what is done is without sincerity or trust -
only coercion!.
In the second type,
there is a harmony
between the leader and the people!.
In the first type,
whatever is done happens so naturally
that no one presumes to take the credit!
The Tao Te Ching -Commentary, introduction and translation by Ralph Alan DaleWww@QuestionHome@Com
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
I would say they all would be considered the "next best" leader!. The poor and the worst are descriptions of despots and dictators!. The "best leader" is an impossibility with the size of the population and the vast differences in peoples views, in this country especially!.
But, keep in mind, you'll have a difficult time finding someone in Y/A that will be able to have a Taoist point of view here!. You'll get more people claiming that the candidate that does not align with their point of view as being "poor" and "worst!." To follow Taoist philosophy would be to not complain about someones ideals being different then yours, but to embrace the fact that you are able to have your own ideals!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
I don't think there have been good or bad leaders, so far but, there are those that make a lot of promises, which they cannot keep, and what they promise goes down the drain, but as good americans we have to abide to the one who is elected President and hope for the best!.
I do not know anything about this man you write about!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
Best way to keep a friend are to never discuss politics or religion Www@QuestionHome@Com