It's interesting that the more developed, later texts of Confucianism and Legalism seem to require that the people be kept ignorant of the decisions of rulers.
Do you see that as a trend? Any signs of the same symptom in Daoist writings?
It's a valid observation. Political thinking from both Confucianism and Legalism is very much concerned with the preservation of order, maintaining the hierarchical system, and meritocracy. Daoist writings from the Huang-Lao School share some similarities in terms of how to govern from the rulers' perspective (which is a major reason it was adopted by the early Han dynasty). For instance, they operationalized wu-wei as a political technique, allowing a capable ruler to run the state by closely monitoring the ministers.
Well written! One thing that strikes me is the important role of media/ narratives as an active geopolitical agent in shaping our worldview. I, too, hate the idea of censoring, obstructing free flowing information, and controlling of accessible information as smokescreen for dirty laundries not to be aired. With social media, people are also gravitating towards what they are used to/ what they feel comfortable with - driving them to either extremes. Just quoted an OpEd in my latest post on how foreign aid, for instance, have long been framed as generosity, but it really has been designed to uphold colonial power dynamics and donors interests. Nothing changed.
I particularly like this sentence of yours, "To some extent, they inform but do not necessarily inspire. They provide information but do not necessarily awaken." So much that can be done given the current state of affairs.
Thanks! I like the analogy of foreign aid. Some actions are out of good intentions, but can be misguided when put into practice. Some countries, with good governance models, can make a difference with external support, but it's a different story in some autocratic governments. It's often the mix of government and private business interests, but framed in a very positive way.
There have also been many cases of backlash against IMF conditional lending. Sometimes it makes one think about how long the whole system can last.
It's interesting that the more developed, later texts of Confucianism and Legalism seem to require that the people be kept ignorant of the decisions of rulers.
Do you see that as a trend? Any signs of the same symptom in Daoist writings?
It's a valid observation. Political thinking from both Confucianism and Legalism is very much concerned with the preservation of order, maintaining the hierarchical system, and meritocracy. Daoist writings from the Huang-Lao School share some similarities in terms of how to govern from the rulers' perspective (which is a major reason it was adopted by the early Han dynasty). For instance, they operationalized wu-wei as a political technique, allowing a capable ruler to run the state by closely monitoring the ministers.
Well written! One thing that strikes me is the important role of media/ narratives as an active geopolitical agent in shaping our worldview. I, too, hate the idea of censoring, obstructing free flowing information, and controlling of accessible information as smokescreen for dirty laundries not to be aired. With social media, people are also gravitating towards what they are used to/ what they feel comfortable with - driving them to either extremes. Just quoted an OpEd in my latest post on how foreign aid, for instance, have long been framed as generosity, but it really has been designed to uphold colonial power dynamics and donors interests. Nothing changed.
I particularly like this sentence of yours, "To some extent, they inform but do not necessarily inspire. They provide information but do not necessarily awaken." So much that can be done given the current state of affairs.
Thanks! I like the analogy of foreign aid. Some actions are out of good intentions, but can be misguided when put into practice. Some countries, with good governance models, can make a difference with external support, but it's a different story in some autocratic governments. It's often the mix of government and private business interests, but framed in a very positive way.
There have also been many cases of backlash against IMF conditional lending. Sometimes it makes one think about how long the whole system can last.
How true. And sadly, the backlash in the industry is already happening as we speak!
A quote for Mencius to be fair to him: 😀
"1. King Hwuy of Leang said, "I wish quietly to receive your instructions."
2. Mencius replied, "Is there any difference between killing a man with a stick and with a sword?" The king said, "There is no difference."
3. "Is there any difference between doing it with a sword and with the style of government?" "There is no difference," was the reply."
Mencius made the ruler keep the secret to himself. But Mencius has guessed it :)
Thank you! I like the way you put it, listening to the voice within and "fine tuning one's own inner lute"!