Lao-Tzu : A Fountain of Wisdom

Lao-Tzu ; A Fountain of Wisdom

Lao Tzu was a philosopher of ancient China and is a central figure in Taoism.( a form or religion) Popular legends say that he was conceived when his mother gazed upon a falling star, stayed in the womb for sixty-two years, and was born when his mother leaned against a plum tree. He accordingly emerged a grown up man with a full grey beard and long earlobes, which are a symbol of wisdom and long life. Lao Tzu's magnum opus, the Daodejing, is one of the most significant treatises in Chinese cosmogony. As with most other ancient Chinese philosophers, Lao-tzu often explains his ideas by way of paradox, analogy, appropriation of ancient sayings, repetition, symmetry, rhyme, and rhythm. One of his memorable sayings is- "An ant on the move does more than a dozing ox". It teaches us to apply whatever we know in practical use. We may know a lot of things, but if we don't expose it none will be benefited. On the other hand if we know a little and expose it many can be benefited by it.    

Bacon's anti Islamic concept

In some of his essays Bacon’s ideas are quite contradictory to those of Islam and to ethical and moral values. In the essay “Of Parents and Children” he writes, “And surely a man shall see the noblest works and foundations have proceeded from childless men; which have sought to express the images of their minds, where those of their bodies have failed.” In the essay “Of marriage and Single Life” he writes, “He that hath wife and children hath given hostages to fortune; for they are impediments to great enterprises, either of virtue or mischief.” In these two essays Bacon has shown antipathy to children and marriage, but Islamic view towards children and marriage is quite contrary. Islam thinks that children are a blessing for human beings. There is a heavenly relationship between parents and children and marriage is an unavoidable bond between man and woman which is essential for stopping the illicit sexual relation among men and women and for keeping men and women free from all sorts of immoral activities and vulgarity. (Humayun 121-123). By assigning these essays for reading the teacher will have grand opportunities to Islamize his teaching. The teacher will provide some other pages taken from Islamic resources which contain Islamic attitudes towards children and marital life and then he will ask the students to write their views, whether they favor the ideas of Bacon or those of Islam. The teacher should explain the justification of Islamic concept towards children and marital life.