Confucius And Lao Tzu example essay topic

Taoism and Confucianism are both very complex and important religions of their time. Both mainly Asian religions, these creeds were more prominent in the times they were developed then they are today. Each of these religions had a certain belief that there was a "Way" that things should happen and should work so that goodness and peace will regulate in the world. Confucius was the founder of Confucianism.

His works were taught in the Confucian Analects. His sense of mission to be "a human among other humans". He was said to have fortune cookie knowledge and was admired by many people, including his many followers. Lao Tzu is the founder of Taoism.

His teachings are found from the Te-tao-ching. Lao Tzu beliefs were nature based around nature. Each of these teachers taught a great deal to their followers about their beliefs and we see that through the works they left behind. Confucius was willing to teach and learn with anyone who came to him; once he even accepted an uncapped youth though he stated that he was not responsible for what the youth did when he left. He once struck a man who was waiting for him in a sprawling position in the shins with his staff, declaring that youths that show no respect for their elders achieve nothing, and those who merely get older are useless pests. He observed that one youth seemed to be more interested in growing up quickly than in improving himself.

He expected his students to desire learning and think for themselves. As long as the student was making effort, regardless of his progress he would help him. He even encouraged them to compete with him in goodness. However, he found that most of them were looking for the rewards of a career. He was glad when students stayed with him rather than accepting the first position offered; though he did emphasize that the model sayings were to be carried out in practice. The rational Confucius did not act without knowing why; he heard much and selected what is good to follow, calling it the second type of knowledge.

He once spent a whole day meditating without food and all night without sleep, but found that it was better for him to learn. Confucius thought that education was very important. He has a section in the Analects dedicated to his own love of learning. Confucius thought that educating people was very important. He educated people not only by teaching them physically but also by teaching through his sayings in the Analects. One of the sayings from his Love of Learning section is as follows; Confucius said: "Sometimes I have gone the whole day without and food, and gone the whole night without any sleep, giving myself to though.

It was no use. It was better to learn". (Confucian Analects, XV: 30 - pg. 23: 15) He educated people on such topics as "Humanity", "Filial Piety", "Rites and Music" and perhaps one of the most important teaching of "The Gentleman". This was a group of sayings by Confucius about how one man should act accordingly as opposed to how and inferior man would act in comparison.

An example of his sayings on how the gentleman should act is "Confucius said: 'The gentleman reaches upward, the inferior man reaches downward. ' " (Analects XIV: 23 - pg. 31: 86) Confucius also believed a great deal in "filial piety" which was a certain respect for your parents because they gave you life. He devoted many of his teaching to his thought on filial piety as seen here: "Confucius said: ' The upright men among us are not like that. A father will screen his son and a son his father - yet the uprightness is to be found in that' " (Analects, X : 18 - pg. 28: 59) Confucius thought of himself as a transmitter of the ancient culture, not a creator of new ideas.

He held nothing back from his students and consulted with them as friends on every step. Yet he realized it is useless to speak of higher things to those who are below average. Listening silently and learning and teaching untiringly were natural to Confucius. Taoism is a very strong and complex religion that is mostly based on the ideas of nature. Lao Tzu was very devoted to teaching the way of the Tao and used many examples of nature in his of the Te-tao-ching. Another main tradition of the Taoists was the idea of always wanting to remain a child.

Taoists believed that by growing up we would lose something rational in our own thinking. This is almost opposite of the Confucian beliefs, because Confucius believed we should grow up but in that time learning to become a better human being. The Taoists were not as strong in the emphasis of education. The Taoists also believe that Confucius makes to much out of becoming human and adult. Instead they decided to focus on teaching about other things such as non-violence, paying attention to the invisible and The Sage.

Chapter 66 of the Te section Te-tao-ching is Sage and its desire to be above all people. The Sage is described and contentious and belligerent. But the Sage is important because it teaches the way. The Taoists also have a great belief in nature. An example of this is found in Chapter 1 of the Tao. It describes about nature and how the Way is compared to it.

'Confucianism and Taoism are two very great religions of their time. Although they do exist today they are not as greatly prominent throughout many countries. Both Confucius and Lao Tzu were great teachers and were, and still are, greatly revered for their work. They are greatly respected today because of this work..