The Way of Life: Lao-tzu and Homer

Lao-tzu and Homer are two great authors who provide words of wisdom in their inspirational pieces that can help individuals on their road to success. Lao-tzu, an older contemporary of Confucius from China, speaks so deeply that he allows me to interpret my meaning of life. The Greek epic poet Homer's words, written around 700 B.C., bluntly tell me what to do without any remorse. Since their knowledge was written about 100 years apart from one another, both authors give a wider perspective of society's mind during that time period. Their teachings leave me with not only a sense of encouragement but an understanding of how to live happily. Lao-tzu and Homer exemplify the true significance of learning how life really works.

Lao-tzu states that "We work with being,/ but non-being is what we use" (11.10-11). This statement is definitely an eye-opener for me because I am always blind to the bigger picture. Sometimes, I pay too much attention to the details and find myself missing the real concept. From this quote, I have learned to create a mind frame that will foster the ideas that are seen and unseen. Lao-tzu continues to speak about the distress of how too much of something can harm an individual by stating, "Success is as dangerous as failure" (13.1). All my life, I have struggled with the ideal of being the best. I believe I have gotten caught in a spider's web of my own limitations. For example, when I study for tests, I occasionally overload myself with numerous concepts and definitions and do not pay attention to actually learning the material. I usually measure my success by being better than others. Homer continues with Lao-tzu's good advice with a conversation between Athena and Zeus.

Athena wants the thunder god to free Odysseus from the nymph Calypso, who holds him by force, and help Telemachus return home safely. Zeus responds, "My child,/…what nonsense you let slip through your teeth. Come now,/ wasn't the plan your own" (5.24-26)? Why should I worry about reaching other individuals' expectations? Homer is proposing that I should not worry about tests, if I devised the right plan to study. Therefore, there is no reason for anxiety. Both authors are suggesting that I focus on being my best, instead of focusing on being other people's best. The real essence of the sentence is centered on, again, having too much of something. In life individuals, including myself, tend to stick to one perception of how life should be followed. As an alternative, Lao-tzu and Homer want us to try to challenge ourselves to be multifaceted. By doing this, we will enjoy the many aspects of life and grow as a society to be more aware of our differences. From that, there will be a more peaceful world.

Lao-tzu discusses the importance of investigating our own life. He notes, "If you want to know me,/ look inside your heart" (70.7-8). I believe that one reason for depression and several other mental disorders lies within people not understanding themselves. Homer complements Lao-tzu's claim with a discussion between Calypso and Odysseus. Even though Calypso is more beautiful than his wife Penelope, he still loves her. Odysseus states, "Nevertheless I long-I pine, all my days-to travel home and see the dawn of my return" (5.241-42). People sometimes feel trapped within their own lives because of temptation. As a result, they get lost within their own beliefs and die sooner than expected. Personally, I find fulfillment when I attend inspirational or motivational engagements. For example, when I attended the black history convocation with keynote speaker Kweisi Mfume, I felt enlightened to make a change in my society. I also found a new meaning of receiving a college degree: to assist with the growth of my community.

Similar events remind me to keep pushing for my goals and even give me a greater outlook on my purpose in life. I felt the same way when I read both books. They have guided me to surpass the current obstacles in my life. I feel that Lao-tzu is speaking directly to me when he says, "Failure is an opportunity./ If you blame someone else,/ there is no end to the blame" (79.1-3). When I fail on a test or make a mistake, such as hurt someone's feelings, I know that there is an opportunity for me to learn from my faults and correct the situation. If I do not fix the matter, I have only myself to blame and no one else. Homer adds to Lao-tzu's statement with a conversation between the daughter of King Alcinous and Odysseus.

The princess is showing sincerity and compassion by welcoming him, the "stranger" (6.204). She states, "you'll never lack for clothing or any other gift,/ the right of worn-out suppliants come our way./ I'll show you our town, tell you our people's name" (6.211-13). The quote is explaining that if people cannot do something themselves that it is always good to ask for assistance. So, if I do understand certain notes, I should seek a tutor, or if I am suffering from depression, I should make an appointment with a counselor. With my interpretations, Lao-tzu and Homer say that I am the only owner of my destiny. I have that privilege to control who I am, how I act, and what I say. Possessing these qualities are the best rights anyone can have. Therefore, I should use failure to my advantage to reach my ambitions, while seeking help if necessary.

Lao-tzu believes great leaders do not always have to take action. He states, "The Tao nourishes by not forcing./ By not dominating, the Master leads" (81.10-11). The best leaders in the world guide and help individuals on their journey. They are not in front of the cameras and on the front pages of newspapers. Instead, true leaders are the individuals who are always undetected. No one knows their names, and the press has to wait hours at their doors just to get an interview. Community activists are a good example of behind-the-scenes hero. In my neighborhood, a middle-aged woman always gives big cash donations to my church. The money helped my church build a brand-new community center and pay for renovated pews.

At this very moment, I still do not know the lady's name. However, I know she has helped me obtain a better religious background because she assisted with the housing costs of the community center. Homer continues with the same belief between Odysseus and his comrades. They are fighting off the Cyclops who is threatening to kill them. Odysseus shouts to his men, "Courage-no panic, no one hang back now" (9.422)! Being a courageous person is another quality of a leader. No matter the pain or distress, leaders tend to defeat the odds no matter, the circumstances. They have the impetus to go above and beyond their call of duty. So, why do these leaders do this? They do not look for any spotlight and do not want any credit. I believe great leaders often do extraordinary things because they consider them second-nature. In today's society, we may call them "unsung heroes" because they do things for the good will of humanity. If life was filled with more people of this stature, we would be better off as a world.

Lao-tzu and Homer are authors who equip their readers with the knowledge to be successful in life. The Chinese philosopher Lao-tzu allows individuals to grasp his words and define their own significance of life. On the other hand, Homer explicitly tells people how to survive. Both teachings have their own focuses that guide people on a path to happiness. Lao-tzu and Homer illustrate the real representation of living life to the fullest.

Works Cited Homer. Trans. Rieu, E.V. The Odyssey. New York: Penguin Books, 1991. Tzu, Lao. Trans. Mitchell, Stephen. Tao Te Ching. New York: Harper& Row, 1988.