Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu

Lao-tzu (6th century BC), also known as Laozi, among the early few in written history to observe the unavoidable effects caused by an expanding government, when it's "laws and regulations (become) more numerous than the hairs of an ox, it should be more feared than fierce tigers." A proponent of Individualism, it could be favorably debated. Certainly critical of excessive governing per legislation exceeding "hairs of an ox", necessary for any form of Collectivism (all Isms save one).

Chuang-tzu (4th century BC) made the following insightful observation of government's inherent excess towards forceful control along with frivolous expenditures. He explains, "A thousand ounces of gold is indeed a great reward, and the office of chief minister is truly an elevated position. But have you, sir, not seen the sacrificial ox awaiting the sacrifices at the royal shrine of state? It is well cared for and fed for a few years, caparisoned with rich brocades, so that it will be ready to be led into the Great Temple. At that moment, even though it would gladly change places with any solitary pig, can it do so? So, quick and be off with you! Don't sully me, I would rather roam and idle about in a muddy ditch, at my own amusement, than to be put under the restraints that the ruler would impose. I will never take any official service, and thereby I will satisfy my own purposes." I think the parable (if you will) should be sufficiently self-evident empirically thus logically.

Note:
Photo is a fascinating stone sculpture of Lao-tzu at the foot of Mount Qingyuan, Fujian Province, China. And thanks to Rothbard's two-volume work An Austrian Perspective on the History of Economic Thought.

Come let us Reason (Is 1:18). Peace is always a Choice (Mt 5:9).

Study, Ponder, Labor, till last Breath (2 Tm 2:15 / Cl 3:23).