Concerning America.

[Black_Bird]

"When a country obtains great power, it becomes like the sea; all streams run downward into it. The more powerful it grows, the greater the need for humility. Humility means trusting the Tao, thus never needing to be defensive.

A great nation is like a great man; when he maks a mistake, he realizes it. Having realized it, he admits it. Having admitted it, he corrects it. He considers those who point out his faults as his most benevolent teachers. He thinks of his enemy as the shadow that he himself casts.

If a nation is centered in the Tao, if it nourishes its own people and doesn't meddle in the affairs of others, it will be a light to all nations in the world." - Tao Te Ching, Chapter 61.

What do you think?

 

[KillerMuffin]

I think that governments are run by human beings. Lord Acton spoke the plainest truth ever told when he said that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

The founding fathers intended to prevent a single person from gaining that power forever. How could they have ever imagined such a thing as our bureaucracies?

America is run by human beings. Humans, once they get power, will not willingly let go of it. The government is the same. Once it has power, it will not let go of it.

Any human institution or being is a black hole that sucks power. The trick is to teach them to let go.

I wouldn't hold my breath.

 

[HeavyStick]

Where's the thread about Lance and hamsters?

 

[Guest]

What do you think?

I hope you're not thinking of the US......Humility? Hah!

 

[Black_Bird]

I wouldn't hold my breath.

I'm not... just thinking.

You're right too; the human beings that get into power often are the very ones that should not be in power. I just feel that there has got to be a better way, one we haven't thought of before or tried.

I don't know. Maybe I'm just in a mood.

 

[Black_Bird]

Re: Re: Concerning America.

I hope you're not thinking of the US......Humility? Hah!

Yeah! Wouldn't it be nice? For a change? Maybe we could try it out for a couple of months just to see how it feels - you know, like a test run!

 

[Killswitch]

I have no clue what a "Tao" is.

 

[Sillyman]

Humble men do not seek power, nor the powerful seek humility.

 

[Black_Bird]

I have no clue what a "Tao" is.

You pronounce it as you would "Dow" with a little more emphesis placed on the "D" so it almost sounds like a "T".

It means "way" in chinese. If you want to learn more about "Tao" you want to read an english translation of the "Tao Te Ching"; there are a few online.

 

[Lost Cause]

It basically describes America...

Always striving to be better, and correct our wrongs, but it ends there. Those that trusted the Tao, are now enslaved by the Chicoms, and Tibet is still under siege. It's the same type of people that say,"God will protect us" as they're led into Dachau, and "Peace within our time".
I prefer trust in your "God/Tao/Budda/Mohammad/Obi-Wan" or whatever, but be prepared to, "Crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of the women!"

*Peace through superior firepower.

 

[Black_Bird]

Humble men do not seek power, nor the powerful seek humility.

Humble men follow the Tao; Powerful men follow the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

 

[Gil_Favor]

Re: It basically describes America...

Always striving to be better, and correct our wrongs, but it ends there. Those that trusted the Tao, are now enslaved by the Chicoms, and Tibet is still under siege. It's the same type of people that say,"God will protect us" as they're led into Dachau, and "Peace within our time".
I prefer trust in your "God/Tao/Budda/Mohammad/Obi-Wan" or whatever, but be prepared to, "Crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of the women!"

*Peace through superior firepower.

what he said

 

[Killswitch]

Perhaps what this world needs is more "quitters"...then there wouldnt be so many wars.

 

[Black_Bird]

Re: It basically describes America...

Always striving to be better, and correct our wrongs, but it ends there. Those that trusted the Tao, are now enslaved by the Chicoms, and Tibet is still under siege. It's the same type of people that say,"God will protect us" as they're led into Dachau, and "Peace within our time".
I prefer trust in your "God/Tao/Budda/Mohammad/Obi-Wan" or whatever, but be prepared to, "Crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of the women!"

*Peace through superior firepower.

The Tao Te Ching says nothing about not defending yourself; it's a philosophy about moderation. Have the ability to defend yourself and even attack those who threaten you, but restrain from using those measures in all but the most desperate situations.