Traditional Chinese Culture Project 3

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Philosophy

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Dec 6, 2023

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Confucianism Vs Daoism in Modern-day China Throughout history China has implemented various different belief systems into their society. Two main ones that have stood the test of time and are known to be some of the most influential are Confucianism and Daoism. Confucianism is a belief system that focuses on social ethics and morality to reach its primary purpose of harmony and having good moral character. Daoism, the other belief system focuses, more on the balanced order of the universe and nature controlling how things change more than people. While there is some overlap between the two, they individually played their own role in influencing, not only China when they were first prevalent, but also in the development of modern-day China. The question is which belief system plays a bigger role in the development of modern-day China? Modern-day China, also known as People’s Republic of China, founding and ruling political party is the Chinese Communist Party. The CCP has been in power since 1949, with the current president, Xi Jinping, being at the head since 2013. During his ascension to power, the concept of “socialist core values” has been heavily pushed in his political agenda. Socialist core values can be drawn from Confucianist values influencing the three levels that they can be broken down into. The first level being the national values (prosperity, democracy, civility, harmony), the second being social values (freedom, equality, justice, rule of law), and the third individual values (patriotism, dedication, integrity, friendship). However, the return to Confucian values did not just start when Xi Jinping came to power. In the 1990’s, those ruling called for the return of the concepts of loyalty and paternalism found in Confucianism. This idea fits perfectly with the authoritarian government that China was seeking as a growing power. Confucius believed that the source of good government was based in the maintenance of tradition by personal standards of virtue. This is why these values are pushed by the People’s Republic of

China and part of the infrastructure of the CCP on a national level. The government plays such an integral role in modern-day China’s society, so to be so heavily influenced by Confucian values goes to show how it plays a bigger role than Daoism. Along with the political system, the People’s Republic of China has five official religions with Daoism being one of them. While it may be viewed as the weakest of the five in terms of organization, members, and places of worship, it may be the most prevalent. Daoism outlines a lot of cultural practices that have spiritual or religious meaning to people. This can be seen in practices such as meditation, building homes, feng shui, etc. The President Xi Jinping and his government have been promoting more traditional Chinese cultures and religions. More temples are being endorsed and more permits are being approved to build. The presence of traditional Chinese religion is in the come up in China with more people interested in wellness and taking care of their health. Daoism is beginning to find its place in modern-day China. The ideas of healthy living have been internalized in Chinese views, regardless of religious affiliation. While Confucianism might have more of a presence in the political system, Daoism has inserted itself in the daily lives of the members of China’s modern-day society, having more of an influence on an individual level. Both Confucianism and Daoism are both are prevalent in modern-day China. Both have been endorsed by the Chinse government and its leader. They have lasted centuries, being a backbone for belief systems as the country continues to grow. Daoism encourages a simple existence with very little government interference, helping people find a way to live in harmony with nature and internal peace. While Confucianism is more focused on creating an orderly society, encouraging active relationships and a very active government. Both apply to modern- day China, but I think one is found to be more valued than the other in the eyes of modern-day

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