Tao of Politics # 19

19

Forget about knowledge and wisdom,
and people will be a hundred times better off.
Throw away charity and righteousness,
and people will return to brotherly love.
Throw away profit and greed,
and there won't be any thieves.

These three are superficial and aren't enough
to keep us at the center of the circle, so we must also:

Embrace simplicity.
Put others first.
Desire little.


I really like this one.... it is how we all should be living our lives. from a political standpoint it de-emphasizes corporate capitalism and focuses on simple living. I don't fully understand the "throw away charity" aspect. i must take this to mean that we shouldn't give out of charity and righteousness but out of genuine concern for those less fortunate, to ensure everyone has their needs met, even before ourselves. for then, even we will be taken care of. this policy would seek a move toward socialism, universal health care, etc, and would de-emphasize the pursuits of increasing technology in areas that are not vital to basic living... as such it would be environmentally friendly - encourage community growth over mega cities, small farms over massive industrial farming... it would of course be a completely different way of living than we currently experience... and this is actually not that horrible!

I am definitely in favor of a more simple life. even if it means no computer, no cell phones, etc. granted it means giving up a lot of things that i have enjoyed, but, i don't know, a simpler life has a strong appeal to me. but, with this kind of platform, i am sure the Taoist Party would not be electing anyone too soon! Maybe after the complete collapse of society as we know it we will be ready for this.