The realization had hit me. It was as if this unknown force, which I could not escape or hide from, struck my whole body. The smell of the air became faint like the times when you become cold. Could this really be true? The liver transplant is scheduled in less than twenty-four hours, and I was about to make the most important decision in my life. When mentioning to my mob friends to do whatever it takes to get a liver, I did not in any which way or mean to have them kill an alien priest. The situation that has been brought forth may be reviewed through Machiavelli, Lao-Tzu and my own beliefs. As a father with three elementary children, I would likely keep the liver and try my best to fulfill life to its fullest.
             Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527) was an aristocrat from Florence, Italy. His beliefs were to do whatever was necessary to stay in power. If it meant cruel deceit and outright lying, then those actions were to take place. Because of Machiavelli beliefs, he would more than likely accept the liver. If it meant that an alien priest was killed in order to save his life, then so be it. Individually, I do feel somewhat persuaded by Machiavelli's decision, but I would personally take different approaches and actions toward the situation.
             In addition, Lao-Tzu's beliefs are somewhat different from those of Machiavelli. It has been noted that Lao-Tzu's birth/death dates are unknown. Most traditions believe he was born in the state of Ch'u, around the time of the sixth century B.C. Lao-Tzu believes that if you leave things as they are, things will eventually fall into place. Lao-Tzu strongly believes in the thoughts from the Tao-te Ching. In it, it states, "because he believes in himself, he does not try to convince others", and "the master sees things as they are, without trying to control him. She lets them go their own way and resides at the center of the circle." According to his beliefs, he would not try to convi...