Comparison Of Confucianism And Taoism

Although Confucianism and Taoism have much in common in the personal accomplishment that people are requested to improve ethical standards, complying with laws of society and nature, Taoism focuses on withdraw from society and Confucianism requires believers to actively joining the world in ancient Chinese society. It not only pursuits the improvement of personal accomplishment, but also contribute to society, maximizing the individual social value as much as possible. The idea is of significance to a developing country (Middle Western Han) as it not merely reinforces the national rule but encourages a positive contribution of talent and good ideas as well (Huber & Zhao, 2011). In the sort of vast area with a large population and a complex

Confucianism has a close concern on social reality and strong sense of mission on history that ‘the country management and governess as own responsibility’ (Cline, 2007, pp.231). It refers that a person should keep learning and practice what has learnt to become benevolent and righteous for himself, and help others, manage state affairs as well as protect the peace of country (Confucius, 1994). This is a positive life attitude for human being relates to what called “Dao”. In contrast, the ideology of Taoism ignored and removed the barrier of interpersonal relationship, insisting to build peaceful in world based on the value orientation. The theory taught people to show no interest in physical success and social issues because everything has its own natural attributes ( 'Taoism and the arts of China ', 2001). It means that they think doing nothing is better than doing something because the latter one may break the perfection and harmony of nature. ‘Most excellent Confucianism learner became politician in the future, however, most of Taoism learner became solitary’ (Wang & Chanzit, 2004, p.72). It address that the most important thing comes from the interior mind. Taoism cares about the pursuit of spiritual thing like moral and characteristics rather than physical or superficial thing such as reputation and welfare, corresponding to the Warring States