Contrasting Leadership Styles: Lao-Tzu and Machiavelli

What Does It Take to Be a Successful Leader? Leadership qualities demonstrate a vital role in the products of society. While governing over many individuals, it is necessary to manifest the required attributes and take precautions to lead a community as a whole to success. Lao-Tzu and Niccoló Machiavelli’s written works are prime examples on what it means to become a great leader, although they differ considerably in their views on the subject. The two historical figures offer distinct evidence on their approach to violence, their reputation, and the treatment of their subjects. Through opposing ideas and intake, Lao-Tzu and Machiavelli logically and carefully contemplate the appropriate means to maintain power. The subject where Lao-Tzu

The philosopher foreshadows, “Violence, even well intentioned, always rebounds upon oneself” (verse 30, p. 26). Once war is provoked, the peace is broken because it is impossible for violence to end well. Also, while placing his faith in the fact that decent men should find a more cordial, harmonious path to resolving conflicts, Lao-Tzu trusts his instincts and his decision to be the right one. In the next verse, he discusses, “His enemies are not demons, but human beings like himself.” How could one possibly be content if their leader were to rejoice in news of battle, and of bloodshed? Lao-Tzu deplores having to enter war, but if he must, he does so with sorrow and compassion. Machiavelli, on the other hand, believes the ability of commanding and being apart of war is

Lao-Tzu recognizes what possible actions will result in, and he confides in the people to make them feel apart of the government, rather than controlled by someone who should serve as example. By letting events transpire without attempting to sway them one way or another, a leader displays their understanding that “the universe is forever of control” (verse 30, p. 26) and the people feel more content in an unadministered world. Moreover, Lao-Tzu explains that in order to govern the people without manipulating them, it is best to let them find their own way without conveying superiority. However, Machiavelli disagrees, and through the enforcement of a cold leadership, a ruler is more inclined to keep his subjects and loyal. He believes that unpredictability will elude enemies and subjects from taking advantage of their leader, and he does so by deceiving the people and going back on his word. Machiavelli writes, “without that reputation he will never keep an army united or prepared for any combat” (46). But, Machiavelli is battle-hungry and prefers to be feared rather than loved. In order to indicate where a leader stands among their subjects, Lao-Tzu leads with an easy-going manner, while Machiavelli denotes vicious behavior—both prove to benefit the kingdom, but by producing