Lao-Tzu Quote - Liberty Quotes Blog

"Without law or compulsion, men would dwell in harmony."

by:	Lao-Tzu [Li Erh] (570-490 BC) 'Old Sage', Father of Taoism
Source:	Tao Te Ching
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Categories:	Compulsion, Law, Peace
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Reader comments about this quote:

I give the quote 5 stars because the "law" reference concerns legal positivism - where man, as a god, creates law. -- Mike, Norwalk
I doubt it. -- jim k, Austin, Tx
I'm surprised that this idea is published without sufficient context; Lao Tzu must be read within the order of a discipline - with such, there is a world of meaning - without understanding Lao Tzu, this passage floats as a beautiful leaf or flower without the tree or stem. Response to Mike, from Norwalk, while Lau... spoke of oneness, the concept that universal energy flows through all that can be known, building fences, whether law or garden fences, interferes or diverts. He speaks of the powerful harmony of nature, that which can only build through destruction, change... I only wish that Liberty quotes placed an advisory beside Lao's quote. -- James Wermuth, Newport, RI
James Wermuth, thanks, good comment. I should have been more clear. My reference was to natural law or that which 'IS' (science, gravity, math, fiscal, etc.). If man dwells in harmony with natural law (life, liberty, happiness - ownership / inalienable rights) and man's codes, ordinances, regulations, rules, statutes, etc. were in harmony with natural law (corporeal man can not create law) there would be no law or compulsion as herein described. -- Mike, Norwalk
I think Mike says it better. To paraphrase: "If men would dwell in harmony with natural law, there would be no need of compulsory statutes." (Or something like that) -- E Archer, NYC

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