When the Sage Rules the State
Use your readings in Kevin Reilly’s World’s of History (Sixth Edition) to answer the questions below.defend your responses with evidence from the text.
The “big three” of ancient Chinese intellectual trends (and perhaps the three most enduring) are Legalism, Confucianism, and Taoism.
- The Master said, “If the ruler himself is upright, all will go well even though he does not give orders.” How does Confucius expect rulers to rule? (4:1, p. 121- 122). What is the best way to rule? Use examples from the Master.
- Han Feizi (4:3, pp. 138-141), disagrees with the Confucianists (perhaps even despises them). Why? What is the best way to rule? Use examples.
- Laozi (4:2, pp. 123-127) has little use for ritual or the law. He is much more concerned with The Way (Tao). While I realize that, “The Way that can be discussed is not The Way,” I am nonetheless giving you the impossible task of answering the question: What is The Way? After reading the selections from Laozi, you should have a pretty good idea.
In today’s world, the bookstores and the Internet abound with advice on how to be a “pick-up” artist, how to get any women to instantly fall in love with you, how to find the perfect man, etc. Ovid (43 BCE – 17 CE) already had this all figured out (or did he?).
- From “The art of Love,” (5:5, pp. 175-181). Here it is: Your key to every man or woman’s heart. What do men need to do? What do women need to do? Is this good advice? Which parts make sense to you, and which parts do not?