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Flip to reveal answersWho is the sage in the Tao Te Ching?
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All 8 Flashcards — The sage and governing
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Question
Who is the sage in the Tao Te Ching?
Answer
The wise person who lives by the Tao and, as ruler, governs least — wu wei applied to a whole society.
Question
'The best ruler, the people barely know he exists'?
Answer
The finest leader rules so lightly that things run smoothly and people say 'we did it ourselves'.
Question
Lao Tzu's ranking of rulers?
Answer
Worst = feared and hated; better = loved and praised; best = barely noticed, ruling by example.
Question
Why does heavy-handed rule backfire?
Answer
Endless laws, taxes and meddling stir up the very resistance and disorder they then try to crack down on.
Question
How does the sage sum up the whole text?
Answer
The sage lives out the Tao, wu wei and simplicity in one life — trusting the Way, not forcing, leading by barely leading.
Question
The 'govern least' objection (Go further)?
Answer
Famine, invasion or injustice may need firm action light rule won't provide — so 'least' works as a default, not an absolute.
Question
Paper 2 format on the Tao Te Ching?
Answer
Open book, one hour: (a) Explain a concept [10] + (b) Evaluate a claim [15].
Question
What does Paper 2 (b) 'Evaluate' reward?
Answer
Weighing the claim — arguing for and against and reaching a reasoned view, anchored in the text.
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Topic 10.10 hub
Tao Te Ching — Lao Tzu
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