Preview

Confucianism And Daoism Analysis

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
656 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Confucianism And Daoism Analysis
The Chinese ideologies Confucianism and Daoism were similar as they encouraged self-knowledge and influenced art and differed in their ideals about the government and view on what makes a person wise. Confucianism and Daoism both agreed that a person’s individual pursuit of knowledge was important to their success. Confucius, the founder of Confucianism, enforced the ideas of the essential goodness of each individual and that character, not birth was important. He believed that anyone could work their way up on the ladder of success, so to speak by the knowledge they possessed. (Spodek 209) In the Analects, a collection of thoughtful perceptions attributed to Confucius, it says “I am not one who was born with knowledge; I am one who loves …show more content…
Chinese Confucian art spread west on the Silk Road, south down to southern China and then onto Southeast Asia, and east through northern China on to Japan and Korea. Notable elements of this art are the calligraphy of Confucian writings and thoughts, often contained within Confucian temples and schools, as well as ceramics and pottery related to Confucian religious and educational practices. The famous Chinese poet Du Fu from the Tang dynasty was linked to Confucianism as well, and wrote poems influenced by the philosophies teachings. (Spodek 228) Likewise, Daoism is often seen as an inspiration to artists, and because it advocates a high regard for nature, is often seen as an inspiration to natural scientists as well. (Spodek 211) The Chinese poet Li Bai from the Tang dynasty was linked to Daoism and wrote poems and stories inspired by …show more content…
Confucius, after mastering the six arts of ritual, music, archery, chariot driving, calligraphy, and arithmetic, became a teacher. This might be one of reasons he encouraged education so strongly. He believed that good government relied upon Men of Jen. Men of Jen were men of humanity, benevolence, virtue, and culture. (Spodek 209) Confucius believed that proper education was necessary for success in life. Daoism taught that randomness and simplicity had power over education. After renouncing learning, supposedly there were no troubles in the Daoist view because they believed that then, everyone would be equal and thus act kind and filial towards each other.

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    "Master Kong", 551–479 BC). Confucianism originated as an "ethical-sociopolitical teaching" during the Spring and Autumn Period, but later developed metaphysical and cosmological elements in the Han Dynasty.[1] Following the abandonment of Legalism in China after the Qin Dynasty, Confucianism became the official state ideology of China. The core of Confucianism is humanism,[2] the belief that human beings are teachable, improvable and perfectible through personal and communal endeavor especially including self-cultivation and self-creation.…

    • 2526 Words
    • 11 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Many found solace in Daoist thinking, even emperors. Indeed, emperors did not fret the spread of Daoism because it offered little political threat. This movement considers political activity and learning to be of no consequence to a good life. The best way to achieve Daoist harmony with nature is through humility and frugal living. Daoism promoted an elaborate spirituality which created a distinctive division in Chinese philosophies. Daoism, Legalism, and Confucianism all shaped classical China’s civilization.…

    • 866 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Confucianism vs Daosim

    • 355 Words
    • 1 Page

    Confucius, the founder of Confucianism, started off teaching his ideals to only a few students of his, but after he died these beliefs became more popular and even became the framework of some government in china, mainly the Han Dynasty. Confucius believed that keeping family and government parallel to each other and keeping social order was the way to peace. Loyalty and the five relationships; ruler-subject, husband-wife, parent-child, older sibling-younger sibling, and friend-friend, were used to maintain social order. Confucianism stressed the importance of relationships, while Daoism was more about self-worth and finding peace with yourself. People needed to follow their own Dao (way of life) and oath through nature, and not think about hierarchy and obedience to rulers. In Confucianism everyone has their own place, but in Daoism you ignore what society says and find your own way.…

    • 355 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    KIM EXAM FINAL 1217

    • 1636 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Confucians believed that people become fully human by being social; Daoists believe that one becomes human by being natural; we need to be ourselves…

    • 1636 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    d. Develop personal ethics and Junzi for bringing order to China 4. Mencius (372-289 B.C.E.), spokesman for the Confucian school a. Believed in the goodness of human nature (Ren) b. Supported government by generosity and humanity 5. Xunzi (298-238 B.C.E.) had a less positive view of human nature a. Believed that humans selfishly pursue own interests b. Preferred harsh social discipline to bring order to society c. Supported moral education and good public behavior B Daoism Featured Prominent Critics of Confucian Activism 1. Preferred rational reflection and self-examination, a life in harmony with nature 2. Laozi, founder of Daoism, allegedly wrote the Daodejing a. Classic of the Way and of Virtue…

    • 1136 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    After the Qin Dynasty was replaced by Han Dynasty, Han Dynasty started to adapt Confucianism, and it had already become political elite in Han Dynasty. Even though Confucian scholars were in a low political status, it also provided them with more time to study on the Confucian classics, teaching apprentices; thus they had a more profound understanding on society and politics. Through their constantly of efforts, transformation and development of Confucianism, Emperor Han adapted their doctrine of Confucianism that was conducive to the ruler to rule the country. After that, Confucianism doctrines was not only expanded throughout the China, but increasingly introduced to Korea, Vietnam and Japan. It was the period called Confucianism as Proper…

    • 154 Words
    • 1 Page
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    china

    • 868 Words
    • 4 Pages

    The Confucian system was based on the teachings of Confucius. Confucius spread ideas about political virtue and good government. He was not a religious leader which shifted Chinese values. He emphasized the importance of personal virtue. He believed that if people were taught that they would find a reverence for tradition and a solid political life. Confucius set out to rectify political disorder. He emphasized individual virtuous behavior. He thought that whatever a ruler did, his people would imitate and follow. The people will imitate the ruler’s self control. Confucius set up levels of authority stressing personal restraints and careful socialization of children. Rival Chinese schools are the thoughts and teachings of different philosophers that had different ideas that went against each other, such as Confucianism and Daoism.…

    • 868 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Confucianism on the other hand, taught its followers that they should be active in political affairs. It also taught that one should be respectful to their elders, and that propriety was a necessary trait. Daoism is passive. Confucianism takes action. Legalism is to take control and do what you can do.…

    • 596 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Ming Dynasty Essay

    • 1016 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Taoism or “Daoism” were widely spread throughout the Ming dynasty. Taoism can be defined as a philosophical ideology of a polytheistic…

    • 1016 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Confucianism and its ideals stood for a rigid hierarchical behavior. A person had their set role in society, and one had many moral obligations to follow. Taoism, on the other hand, stood more for the person, and not for the society; closely related to the Greek and Western classical ideals. This stood in complete objection for the Confucian ideals, which is one of the reasons that Daoism originated, in opposition to Confucianism.…

    • 281 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Confucianism and Daoism are among the top eight religions of the world. Although they are both ancient Chinese styles of living, they have few similarities. Both of these religions share a similar goal, a goal of departing from being an individual and moving towards becoming a part of a greater whole; a greater contributor to society itself. Additionally, they both focus on the goal of self-improvement, thus improving social order. In Confucianism, the individual improves himself through orderly obedience with codes of behavior and respect for elders. Self-fulfillment is reached strictly in this life. In Daoism, the individual improves himself through examination of himself and universal energy, and the reward is mainly in the next life,…

    • 470 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Two schools of thought that arise around the same time in Ancient China are Confucianism and Daoism. Each teaches that people have certain responsibilities; however, they teach different types of responsibility. Kungfuzi, or Confucius, argues that every person has a responsibility placed on his shoulders to help improve society in the here and now. While Lao Tzu, the originator of Daoism, believes that each person has a responsibility, he believes that that responsibility is in regards to oneself rather than society. He believes that a person must work within themselves to reach peace with their Selves and with nature. Reaching this peace is something that does not take effort to achieve. The contrast between the two schools of thought becomes narrowed down to the concept of action versus inaction to improve society. Because of these differences, we can see that Confucius regards humans as highly capable of working within their respective classes, but that Lao Tzu believes that humans must be at peace with nature in order to reach their full potential.…

    • 1399 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Confucianism Dbq Essay

    • 800 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Confucius believed that a peaceful society occurred “when all people acted properly based on their roles with others” (Source #1.) To add on, he believed that people should respect and obey those above them. One of Confucius’s goals was “to bring people to a virtuous way of life” (Source #2.) In other words, Confucius didn’t believe in using military power or punishments per Source #4. However, his philosophy does take some actions and doesn’t just let things be. Per Source #3, Confucius said, “People need to treat each other as they would like to be treated.” Using Confucianism would not only inspire students to act properly, but chances are, everyone would be kinder to one another if they used the treat others how you wish to be treated saying in all their actions. Also, students who do a small wrong deed won’t be severely punished, but some action will be taken, just enough to tell the student to stop. To wrap up, Confucianism is the middle pathway to run a…

    • 800 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Confucianism is about respect to elders and education was also important. Confucianism also believed in life goals and what you need to achieve. But on the other hand Daoism is all about knowing and understand how the world works around you. And not try to change it but try to working with it. It proves that Confucianism is not about nature and world but Daoism is. That is why China was able to accept 2 different basic belief systems.…

    • 876 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Confucianism In China

    • 773 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Eventually the Zhou dynasty conquered the Shang, resorting to feudalism in order to preside over central China. (Gascoigne pg.2) (Encyclopedia Britannica) During this period Confucianism emerged spreading his thoughts on right behavior and with that acceptance of rank on the basis of mutual obligation. (Gascoigne pg.2) Daoism also rears its head, fulfilling China’s spiritual needs. Deism emphasizes “The Way and its Power.” According to Gascoigne, Bamber “Confucianism and Daoism are like two sides of the same Chinese coin.” Mirroring the idea of Yin and Yang, also conceptualized during the Zhou…

    • 773 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays