Government is the essential power of a country, which directly influences society because it provides a sort of security space to those affected by it. Lao-Tzu's "Thoughts from the Tao-te Ching" and Niccolo Machiavelli's "The Qualities of the Prince" both discuss the multiple characteristics a leader must possess to be successful. Although their goal is similar, in which they both describe what it takes to become a better leader, their ideas regarding leadership are contradictory. Lao-Tzu, a Chinese philosopher from the Henan province of China, is known today as the author of "Thoughts of the Tao-te Ching." He is also recognized as a “contemporary of Confucius”. He was the guardian of dynastic archives. Lao-Tzu's works served as the basis for Taoism, a religion officially founded by the Chang Tao-Ling ("Lao-Tzu"). Lao-Tzu's works were created in the 6th century BC, a time when the Near East for the first half century was controlled by the Neo-Babylonian or Chaldean Empire. At this time the kingdom of Judah also ended. By the 540s, Babylonian rule was coming to an end and was eventually replaced by the Persian Empire (Wikipedia Contributors). Nicholas Machiavelli, the author of “Qualities of the Prince,” lived from 1469 to 1527. He was an Italian author and political figure and became one of the most prominent figures of the Renaissance (Barnett). Although he came from a poor background, he was fortunate to be affiliated with a distinguished family. When he entered politics in Florence, he quickly rose to an important position as Secretary of Defense. In 1512, when the Medici returned to Florence, he was dismissed, imprisoned and tortured. It does...... middle of paper ......ks are definitely relevant to today's society and can be applied to many situations we face as Americans today today. Although the extremes of Lao-Tzu's laid-back attitude and Machiavelli's totalitarian concepts contradict each other, when there is common ground, their ideas come together to form a very well-rounded leader. Works Cited Barnett, Vincent. "Niccolo Machiavelli - the cunning critic of political reason." History Review 56 (2006): 6-9. Premier Academic Research. EBSCO. Internet. April 23, 2011. Baumgartner, Frederic et Et Al. “16th century”. The Left Chicken. Internet. April 27, 2011. “Lao Tzu”. Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th edition (2010): 1. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Internet. April 26, 2011. “Niccolò Machiavelli.” Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th edition (2010): 1. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Internet. April 23. 2011.