Lao Tzu and Star Wars

From the Tao: 37

The way to use life is to do nothing through acting,
The way to use life is to do everything through being.

In the following scene, Obi Wan Kenobi attempts to teach Luke Skywalker a principle that parallels what the Tao calls wu-wei, or creative inaction. Through the principle of wu-wei, things get done without doing anything. Or, in other words, doing and action so well in accordance with things (nature) that there is no evidence of the action. According to the Tao, any deliberate intervention in the natural order of things assures the opposite result of what was intended, ending in a failing result. Note the Taoist nature of Obi Wan's instruction to Luke (and Han Solo's cynical reation to this mystical approach to life).



From the Tao: 17

A leader is best when people barely know that he exists,
Not so good when people obey and acclaim him,
Worst when they despise him.


In the following scene some theories of leadership are on display. Note not only how Vader displays his leadership style, but other members of the Empire demonstrate their leadership philosophies as well.



From the Tao: 30

Weapons often turn upon the wielder,
An army's harvest is a waste of thorns.

This scene perfectly illustrates the paradox of servant leadership. While the rebels are attempting to flee the Death Star, Obi Wan distracts Darth Vader from the rebels' escape. In doing so, Obi Wan must engage Vader in a fight. Even though Obi Wan has the skill to overpower Vader physically at any moment of his choosing, he does not. Instead, at a pivital moment in the battle, Obi Wan chooses not to demonstrate his superior skill, but rather appears to take up a position of weakness. In that moment of apparent weakness, Obi Wan not only insures the rebels' escape, but ultimately transcends his role as an earthly leader and becomes something even more powerful. While this makes for an interesting story, does/can this sort of thing happen in real life?



THE SAME WATER THAT SOFTENS THE CARROT HARDENS THE EGG.