Through the Eyes of Machiavelli and Lao Tzu.
There have been many different views concerning how a successful government should be maintained. Many writers and politicians have written a great deal explaining their "perfect" views of society. Such documents include Lao Tzu's, "Thoughts from the Tao-te Ching," and Niccolo Machiavelli's "The Qualities of the Prince." Each of these works contains important advice and follow specific circumstances. The problem with this is that circumstances often change, and with that comes new and effective ways to maintain an organization. More importantly, these documents represent the author's opinion, thus contradicting other works. The only thing that is common throughout these two works is the notion of a perfect society. .
No document created by man can prove to be effective and dependable throughout time. I believe that as societies and conditions change, the laws and procedures must also change in order to have a successful government. Failing to do so would result in devastation and anarchy. Although no present document has gained complete trust and acceptance, perhaps it is necessary to combine the practical and logical aspects and them to today's society. Doing this would not create a perfect society, (as one does not exist) but might create a stronger and more effective government.
Each of these two works has found different ways to approach problems that a government faces perhaps due to different economic, social, geographical or moral views. Each of these controversies that plague a government has been altered and changed through out generations. These controversies make it very difficult for people, of all cultures, to come to an understanding on subjects such as war and the way in which a government should be conducted. .
The issue of war and its conditions and necessities has been an ever-struggling topic throughout time.