<i>Laozi</i> Through the Lens of the White Rose: Resonance or Dissonance?

A surprising feature of the White Rose anti-Nazi resistance pamphlets is their appeal to a foundational classical Chinese text, Laozi (otherwise known as Daodejing), buttress critique fascism and authoritarianism. I argue that from perspective 1942 educated readership, act quoting functioned subtle pointed nod anti-fascist intellectuals in pre-war Germany, many whom had interpreted an anti-authoritarian pacifist text. To sympathetic reader, therefore constituted apt reference point for critiquing National Socialism. then introduce complication this wartime reading its ambiguous reception ancient political thought. more specifically discuss line interpretation points direction authoritarianism — stark tension with message passive popular revolt.