I recently finished reading the Tao Te Ching or Daodejing (Dao De Jing), depending upon how you Anglicize it, by Lao Tzu and listening to a series of lectures (12 hours) by Professor Mark W. Muesse on the 'Religions of the Axial Age: An Approach to the World's Religions'.

The Dao De Jing did not come across as a religious text to me. It came across more like a guide book for rulers. The 'Way' is really about the way to govern which does includes spiritual concepts, however spirituality is not the focus of the text. When I was finished reading the text I was left with the impression that Daoism is a very libertarian philosophy with respect to governing.

One concept discussed in the lectures by Prof. Muesse was how the ruling classes were encouraged to avoid self-aggrandizement at public expense and to interfere as little as possible in the lives of their subjects. This concept sounds like something right out of the Libertarian playbook. Another concept of Daoism was that the governed (people) would follow the lead of the governing. Meaning, if those who govern do so amorally then the people will be amoral. This is very much like leadership by example.

A few of my favorite quotes in the Dao De Jing:

• "In studying, each day something is gained." - a great reminder to keep learning
• "Therefore the sage grasps the one and becomes the model for all." - lead by example
• "How could the ruler of a large state be so concerned with himself as to ignore the people?" - politicians should never forgot they work for the people.
• "You would not dominate the people by military force." - win with heart not force
• "Therefore the sage says: I do not force my way and the people transform themselves. I enjoy my serenity and the people correct themselves. I do not interfere and the people enrich themselves." - do not over manipulate people

Am I on the mark in seeing it as political and not spiritual?
What do you think of the concepts I have posted?

[Water is often used as a metaphor for the Dao (or Tao) hence the picture.]