Superior Man Vs Confucianism
A belief in a “superior man” is a characteristic that both the religions of Taoism and Confucianism share. Each religion, however, has a different understanding of what characteristics the superior man might possess. In order to understand the similarities and differences between the concepts of these two religious ideas of a perfect man, it is essential to understand the differences between the two belief systems. For example, Confucianism values basic principles in which we should live our lives, while Taoism values nature and going with the flow of life. The two religions have contrasting views that assist in forming their beliefs in what characteristics a superior man should possess.
. Confucianism teaches five different virtues that people …show more content…
The Confucian idea of a superior man is one with “ideal characteristics who epitomizes excellence” (“The Superior Man and the Inferior Man”, n.d.). This means that the superior man values the virtues taught by Confucius and displays them in their daily life. Confucius described the superior man by saying, "The superior man doesn't seek to satisfy his appetites or pursue a comfortable life. Instead, he works industriously, chooses his words carefully, and looks for the virtuous and talented to point out his mistakes. Those who know him say he is diligent in the pursuit of knowledge" (“The Superior Man and the Inferior Man”, n.d.). This shows the essence of the superior man as taught by Confucius. Some of the characteristics the superior man might possess are he is in the pursuit of knowledge and moral excellence, and he displays and understands the importance of the five great relationships in his …show more content…
Tao means ‘the way’ or ‘the path’. Taoism places much significance on nature and the way to become one with nature. In Taoism, nature is taken to be infinitely wise, infinitely complex, and infinitely irrational (“Taoism and Nature”, n.d.). This shows the importance of nature in this religion. The belief is that nature is perfect and does not need to be changed in any way. We, however, must change to become one with nature. The goal of a Taoist is to achieve Wu Wei, which is the idea of going with the flow, as with nature. The ultimate goal of a Taoist is to become one with the
. Confucianism teaches five different virtues that people …show more content…
The Confucian idea of a superior man is one with “ideal characteristics who epitomizes excellence” (“The Superior Man and the Inferior Man”, n.d.). This means that the superior man values the virtues taught by Confucius and displays them in their daily life. Confucius described the superior man by saying, "The superior man doesn't seek to satisfy his appetites or pursue a comfortable life. Instead, he works industriously, chooses his words carefully, and looks for the virtuous and talented to point out his mistakes. Those who know him say he is diligent in the pursuit of knowledge" (“The Superior Man and the Inferior Man”, n.d.). This shows the essence of the superior man as taught by Confucius. Some of the characteristics the superior man might possess are he is in the pursuit of knowledge and moral excellence, and he displays and understands the importance of the five great relationships in his …show more content…
Tao means ‘the way’ or ‘the path’. Taoism places much significance on nature and the way to become one with nature. In Taoism, nature is taken to be infinitely wise, infinitely complex, and infinitely irrational (“Taoism and Nature”, n.d.). This shows the importance of nature in this religion. The belief is that nature is perfect and does not need to be changed in any way. We, however, must change to become one with nature. The goal of a Taoist is to achieve Wu Wei, which is the idea of going with the flow, as with nature. The ultimate goal of a Taoist is to become one with the