Taoism Vs Confucianism

The “Tao Te Ching” and “The Analects” are collections of philosophical aphorisms that express universal truths about life. They each tend to articulate a series of ideologies that diversify a reader’s intellect through behavioral guidelines that are needed within a society. It was by these strict guidelines that the ancient masters, Confucius and Lao Tzu, organized themselves into chronic prosperity while existing in the harsh calamities that the real world provides. Early Taoists and Confucianists both believed that Tao was the force that controlled the universe. However, Taoists differed from Confucianists in that they did not ascribe human moral qualities to the Tao. This is just one of the many conflictions that exist between the two. As each author voices their universal beliefs on the route to happiness, one must commonly expect to bring about the topic that delves into distinction amongst them both. In effect, the following paragraphs will compare and evaluate the validity of the main ideas in these two selections.

The “Tao Te Ching” is the basic understanding that individuals are obliged to excel themselves as they progress and get older. In writing this selection, Lao Tzu’s main concerns were to emphasize the understanding the way of the universe and using that understanding for self-preservation. Being materialistic would only plague your soul into superfluous desires and eventually lead to complete dissatisfaction no matter what the circumstances. “Not to value goods which are hard to come by will keep them from theft; not to display what is desirable will keep them from being unsettled of mind.”

Some of the passages of the Tao Te Ching seem to be addressed to a ruler, advising how to ensure the survival of a kingdom in a time of political upheaval. It advocates the idea of a manipulated uniform society that coexists with a non-overzealous ruler. That society is emulated to be totally obedient and docile. “Do that which consists in taking no action, and order will prevail.”

Confucianism ultimately emphasizes the importance of moral conduct. People with higher social status are expected to be luxuriously respected and obeyed. Unmistakably, obedience is common in both philosophies. This design is enforced through the notion of the tyrannical rulers. “Govern the people by regulations, keep order among them by chastisements, and they will flee from you, and lose all self-respect. Govern them by moral force, keep order among them by ritual and they will keep their self-respect and come to you of their own accord.” So in a sense, “The Analects” also tend to serve as guidance for a ruler.

Unlike Taoism, which promotes submission and taking no action, Confucianism focuses on contractual obligation and duty. “A gentleman covets the reputation of being slow in word but prompt in deed.” This quote stresses on the preference of actions speaking louder then words. A person must not boast about what might happen in the future, but instead, concentrate on how to accomplish his desires and have that eventual satisfaction. about the things that he has presently accomplished.

Lao Tzu and Confucius both support the idea of a Tao. That is, the celestial force that controls the universe. Confucius recommends morality as the way in which people should align their behavior in order to prosper. However, Lao Tzu teaches that the Tao is a natural order with which people should not interfere. He instructs that a person should not question their role in society and it is by this acceptance that a civilization presides over any other. In conclusion, the similarities and differences that subsist between the two are broadly uncanny; but as distinguishing as each attitude might be, they both share the magnificence of serving as great contributions to various cultures.