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班级：英语

The Comparison and Contrast of Confucianism and Taoism

Chinese Culture is a meaningful course for English learners because it can improve our English and enable us spread Chinese culture more efficiently. I learned a lot this semester and I will talk about the comparison and contrast of Confucianism and Taoism, the differences and similarities.



On the one hand, there are many differences between Confucianism and Taoism. First, the founders and the dates to their beginnings are different. Confucianism was founded by Confucius in the late years of Spring and Autumn periods. Taoism was founded by Lao Zi in the middle of Warring States Period. Second, their systems and contents are different. Confucianism is an ethical theory and ideology while Taoism is a way of behavior. It is a philosophical system developed around the teaching of Confucius. It is related to society, culture, moral and political. However, Taoism is a system based on one of several philosophical constructs of right and wrong, light and dark and truth called Dao (“The Way”). It gives the way to live and behave.

Third, their principles are different. In Confucianism, ritual is the principle of everyday chores or activities. And one must follow the rules of ritual to me a human. According to Confucius, the five virtues of a real man are benevolence, propriety, righteousness, wisdom, and trustworthiness. Confucianism stands for Golden mean (Zhongyong) in morality, and it teaches us how to be a perfect man. However, Dao, according to Lao Zi, gave birth to the universe and make all things in the universe what they are. I other words, it is the origin of all things, and also the law that governs their workings and change. Therefore, it stands for non-action, which means taking no action that is not natural, that is against the original nature and wishes of the people. In fact, it emphasizes that a human being’s must be in harmony with the universe. Non-action is the central concept in Taoism.

On the other hand, there are many similarities of Confucius and Taoism. Firstly, both of them are the presentations of China’s valuable philosophies. What’s more, they still affect contemporary Chinese ideology and their way of dealing things, especially the thoughts in Confucianism. Secondly, both Confucius and Taoism make contributions to Chinese civilization even the world civilization. Thirdly, they can withstand the impact of time and exist until now. And some thoughts of them are in accordance with social needs and some conform to the trend of times. For instance, after the chivalrous men were born, their chivalrous spirit repaired the spirit of legal system in ancient times. However, the rulers do not support the existence of swordsman. And their wandering life is not conformity with the people on the thought of peace and happiness. Therefore, it can’t be everlasting. Fourthly, both philosophies still have influence on modern society. Some ideas of them are very useful to change some negative situations of society and make us live a better life. For example, the


thought of benevolence in Confucianism contributes to constructing harmonious society. Besides, Non-action in Taoism is good for solving ecological problem.

In conclusion, Confucianism was the mainstream of Chinese thought for about 2,000 years and there is no doubt that Taoism is the second greatest influence on Chinese thought. They have many differences and similarities. Both of them are the treasures of the world culture.

Sources:

Text Book of Chinese Culture: 2 sentences Baidu Library: 2 sentences

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