Confucianism and Taoism

Life of ConfuciusLife of ConfuciusTeachings of Confucianism and TaoismTeachings of Confucianism and Taoism

By: SheuPeriod DMay 23, 2008For Mr. Haskvitz

Background of ConfuciusBackground of Confucius Born in 551 B.C. in the state of Lu Worked as: shepard, cowherd, clerk, book-

keeper, governor, chief magistrate of the city of Chung-tu

Was a thinker, political figure, educator Founder of the Ru School of Chinese thought Wanted to restore ancient social order

ConfuciusConfucius’ ’ TeachingsTeachings

Philosophy Strong family loyalty Ancestor worship Respect of elders by children Family: basis of ideal government Good etiquette on daily basis “Selflessness”

Four rules to reach self-development To develop himself To keep his family To rule the country To bring harmony to the

world

QuotesQuotes “What you do not wish for yourself, do

not do to others” “The superior man seeks for it in

himself. The pity man seeks for it in others”

“When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them”

Taoism: teachings of Laozi

BackgroundBackground Originated with the teachings of

Laozi: Born in 604 BC Sought ways to adopt more peaceful

ways of life Historically the author of Daodejing Depicted as the Taoist god

Basic PrinciplesBasic Principles Taught how to achieve balance &

harmony Emphasized self-preservation “Do-nothingness” Was against the Confucian goal to

restore ancient social order

Basic Principals (cont.) Keep their people in “ignorance” or “simple-minded” Thought human actions towards universe were limited Most common symbol is Yin Yang figure

Represents perfect balance If balance: peace and harmony No balance: confusion and chaos

Assessment QuestionsAssessment Questions1. What was one of Confucius’ quotes?2. What jobs did Confucius take?3. What is one of the four Confucianism rules to

reach self-development?4. Who originated Taoism?5. What is the main symbol of Taoism?

Answers: 1. (Any quote from slide 6 is correct) Sample

answer: “What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others”

2.Worked as: shepard, cowherd, clerk, book-keeper, governor, chief magistrate of the city of Chung-tu

3. (Any one from slide 5 is correct) Sample answer: to bring harmony to the world

4. Laozi 5. The Yin and Yang symbol

By: Sheu

Period DMay 23, 2008