A Guide for Our Leaders

So many of us have very strong feelings about the possibility of our country waging a war against Iraq. A friend of mine sent this beautiful writing to me, which seems to say more about war than anything I have ever found. It is from the Chinese philosopher Lao-tzu in the Tao Te Ching, a book of great wisdom. These passages read almost like the Sermon on the Mount.

"One who would guide a leader of men in the uses of life

Will warn him against the use of arms for conquest.

Even the finest arms are an instrument of evil:

An army's harvest is a waste of thorns.

In time of war men civilized in peace

Turn from their higher to their lower nature,

But triumph is not beautiful.

He who thinks triumph beautiful

Is one with a will to kill.

The death of a multitude is cause for mourning:

Conduct your triumph as a funeral.

I would say we need such a guide to help our leaders in the White House and the Pentagon.