老子의 이상적인 인간상과 새로운 노인상

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to build a new image of the aged person on the basis of Lao-Tzu's view of human being. The reason this paper attempts to solve the problems of the modern aged people by Lao-Tzu's view of human being is that it is impossible to make a creative image of the aged people on the basis of modern view of human being while thought of Lao-Tzu which is based on the unified world view can give creative explanation about the period of being aged. Given this, the present paper examines Lao-Tzu's ideal view of human being and summarizes his idea of how to be an ideal person. This paper also exteriorizes the life of ideal person on the basis of Lao-Tzu's view of ideal human being. Lastly, this paper discusses the post-modern meaning that the view of Lao-Tzu implies and shows the new image of the aged person. First, what kind of person does Lao-tzu think is ideal? It's the one who himself is Tao and manages affairs without action. Lao-Tzu calls this 'comfort, peace, and security'. The ideal person does not have obsession and is full of love. 'He loves himself but does not exalt himself.' The ideal person is free from glory and disaster and has a deep belief, which is another name for love. Second, the way of being Lao-Tzu's ideal person is discussed. Lao-Tzu thinks that it is done by 'practice'(修行). The first step of being an ideal person through practice(修行) is the realization of ego. Lao-Tzu says that 'only when one recognizes this disease as a disease can one be free from the disease.' There are several ways of practicing: taking out, making an effort to 'not to exalt the worthy', gladly accepting the disaster that comes to her/him, knowing to content and knowing when to stop. Third, the life of lao-Tzu's ideal person is stated. The ideal person herself/himself is Tao and enjoys it. 'He produces them but does not take possession of them.' 'He acts but does not rely on his own ability.' 'He accomplishes his task but does not claim credit for it.' As said in the chapter of 'the best is like water', the ideal person does good to every being in the world and stays where everybody dislikes to be in. Lastly, this paper shows the new image of the aged person on the basis of Lao-Tzu's view of human being. Lao-Tzu's view of human being can help formulate the post-modern image of the aged person. His way of being an ideal person provides the practical way of being aged happily and beautifully and his view of well aged person's life can give the answer about what the happy and beautiful life of the aged period is.