As a Jew, I have experienced religious discrimination not only from non-Jews towards Jews, but from Jews towards Arabs, as well. It shocked me to see that a frequent discussion topic at family dinners was the way in which the Arabs were destroying the world and how we should all hate them. What astonished me even more, was to listen to what an anti-Semitic had to say one day when we parked our car in front of his shop. Both arguments were derogatory. The demeaning remarks made me realize that by making them, we are no worse than they are. In this way, I believe that people should learn right from wrong only when the choice is obvious, like to steal or not to steal. A lesson like this, we should learn. On the other hand, we shouldn’t have to be sent to a school which provides textbooks that deny the Holocaust. People should be able to have freedom on their beliefs, unless they are extremely obvious.
In this way, the Tao can be interpreted to the extent where the author believes that right from wrong can and must never be taught because of the subjectivity of people. In chapter 20, the Tao orders to “Give up learning, and put an end to your troubles. Is there a difference between yes and no? Is there a difference between good and evil? Must I fear what others fear? What nonsense!” You shouldn’t be subconsciously forced to fear what others fear, but your basic morals should be the same as the society’s; however, morals that are the foundations of a civilization should and must always be taught and learned. If this is not done so, then laws would never be followed because people would do as they believe, as they please.
1 comment:
This is an interesting interpretation.
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