Lao Tzu on War

Class Post. Enjoy!

Thank you, R:

I do not know much about war or how it is fought and what perspectives go into deciding to go to war. My perspective has always been, "Peace, not war." I will also admit that my head is stuck in the sand with these matters. Your post has already enlightened me more than I have been. Ever.

On the other hand, I can have a philosophical conversation about how we can change the consciousness of war. Holmes (1966) argued it is your thought about a situation, not the situation itself. In the scenario we are discussing, it seems that their thought about the success of the Enigma was more important than the thought of saving lives (or the Enigma itself). My opinion only! In the selection from the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu explains his view on weapons and war.  He believes that humans should never find enjoyment in war, and all humans should choose to reject weapons. He feels that we should resort to war only if it's completely necessary. The purpose of weapons is to cause harm to others and he thinks that no one could ever find pleasure in harming another human being.

Lao Tzu's views on life can easily be recognized throughout his work. He believed in a simplistic form of life, where weapons and machinery would be considered too much of a hassle. Lao Tzu felt that all men should be on the path to goodness in whatever they were doing, and weapons, to him, let people stray off that path to righteousness.

The Tao Te Ching, #31

Weapons are the tools of violence;
all decent men detest them

Weapons are the tools of fear;
a decent man will avoid them
except in the direst necessity
and, if compelled, will use them
only with the upmost restraint.
Peace is his highest value.
If the peace has been shattered,
how can he be content?
His enemies are not demons,
but human beings like himself.
He doesn't wish them personal harm.
Nor does he rejoice in victory.
How could he rejoice in victory
and delight in the slaughter of men?

He enters a battle gravely,
with sorrow and with great compassion,
as if he were attending a funeral.

References

From the Tao Te Ching, #31. (n. d.). Retrieved from

          http://enloehs.wcpss.net/projects/west42002/laotzu6/review.html

Holmes, E. (1966). Science of mind: A philosophy, a faith, a way of life. New York,

          NY: Penguin Putnam, Inc.