Posted on 03/19/2007 6:38:34 AM PDT by tang0r
In many ways, the classic Taoist has an excellent mindset for success in the market. He produces only that which his fellow citizens desire; he creates harmony in the market by balancing supply and demand. He spends only what he needs; he creates value by saving money for his consumers. By thus abiding by the Tao, he obtains many rewards besides the influx of funds in his bank accounts. He gains peace of mind knowing that he has contributed to the wholeness of the world. He leaves the world in better shape than when he first entered it. The Taoist thus appreciates his possessions but does not need them.
Recent history has proven the paradox that the better the capitalist, the better the Taoist. Bill Gates, Andrew Carnegie, and Warren Buffett have all donated billions of dollars in the name of others. They reached enlightenment and realized that the ultimate goal of the successful capitalist is not to become wealthy, but to become harmonious with the world.
(Excerpt) Read more at prometheusinstitute.net ...
bump for later
Taoism is much better than Maoism.
Wi Wu Wi
By acting without direction, all things will come into spontaneous order.
>>My comment: To see harmony in the seemingly uncoordinated acts of free people is to see the hand of God at work.
There is a contradiction in this story that destroys its logic. If the person lives in such perfect harmony why does he need an "influx of funds in his bank accounts"?
Putting those around us first, instead of ourselves, elevates your self worth. It may sound silly, but it is true.
If you replace Tao with God, this article makes perfect sense.
Ah, you hit on the $64,000 question ... does harmony imply pacifism?
Reconciling the legitimacy of honest profit-seeking with the sublime is a subtle thing.
In the west, it can be inferred from Paul's saying that we should be "in but not of" the world.
In the east, it can be inferred from the acceptability of the "broad path" of Buddhism, and the symbiotic relationship that should exist between those who take the "narrow path" of self-denial, passivity and contemplation, and those who take the "broad path" of business and commerce, the professions, and family life.
In the west, we honor both the narrow path of ascetics such as the great Saint Catherine of Siena, designated as a doctor of the church by the late Pope John Paul II, as well as the broad path associated with Opus Dei.
Adam Smith, of course, believed that the invisible hand of the marketplace was the hand of God, and that almost all successful businessmen would become honest and generous.
Opus Dei? I think not. Instead substitute Knights of Columbus.
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