Confucianism And Daoism Comparison Essay
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,
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One of the greatest areas where Confucianism and Taoism differ is in their primary focus. Confucianism focuses on the social, earthly orientation of everyday life. According to Confucius, humans are innately social beings with a natural capability for goodness, which, if followed, leads to social harmony. If you behave in a way that is expected by the greater harmonious society, you become superior. In Confucianism, a superior man is one who has taught himself to follow societal expectations. On the other hand, Daoism places much more focus on the person’s connection to himself to achieve inner harmony. Daoism is based on the book Tao te Ching, which translates into “The Way of Life.” Its philosophy concentrates on harmony and balance, while pursuing balance in life through meditation and doing only what is necessary. It is much less earthly in nature and places importance on “coming into harmony” with the Dao, the ultimate reality that formed the universe and everything around us. Daoism is an out of world experience that embraces the Tao, which is the greater reality that is composed of the universe and everything else. While they both dwell on the improvement of the individual, Confucianism looks outward to accomplish this, while Daoism looks
One of the greatest areas where Confucianism and Taoism differ is in their primary focus. Confucianism focuses on the social, earthly orientation of everyday life. According to Confucius, humans are innately social beings with a natural capability for goodness, which, if followed, leads to social harmony. If you behave in a way that is expected by the greater harmonious society, you become superior. In Confucianism, a superior man is one who has taught himself to follow societal expectations. On the other hand, Daoism places much more focus on the person’s connection to himself to achieve inner harmony. Daoism is based on the book Tao te Ching, which translates into “The Way of Life.” Its philosophy concentrates on harmony and balance, while pursuing balance in life through meditation and doing only what is necessary. It is much less earthly in nature and places importance on “coming into harmony” with the Dao, the ultimate reality that formed the universe and everything around us. Daoism is an out of world experience that embraces the Tao, which is the greater reality that is composed of the universe and everything else. While they both dwell on the improvement of the individual, Confucianism looks outward to accomplish this, while Daoism looks