The second half of Tao Te Ching has some very complex and meaningful messages in each of its passages. One quote I like is from Poem 68, which defines how to be a good leader and govern people. It says that the best leader will humble themselves and not engage the enemy. Rather, it is vital to be even-tempered and not aggressive in order to lead efficiently. The next poem also elaborates on the morality of war. In order to effectively command an army, it is essential to not de-humanize the enemy, which means that you cannot act as if the enemy’s army is a group of pawns to take advantage of. Rather, you must understand the other side of the war and the people fighting for the other side in order to have a strong leadership in an army. These concepts contradict the Legalist approach to governing and warfare, since Legalism values strict laws and placing a leader in the most superior position possible. Legalists believed people were inherently bad, so there was a dire need for strict laws and punishments. From knowing this, I wonder how Legalists would have thought of Poem 68, especially the part that says to not be aggressive and hot-headed. This shows how there were differing philosophies emerging in ancient China.