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Comparison Between Confucianism And Taoism

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Confucianism and Taoism are often referred to as rival philosophies. Both religions emerged in ancient China around 5th-4th century BCE. Confucianism was founded by Kong Qui, otherwise known as Confucius(Harbsmeier, 2013). Taoism was founded by Lao Tzu. Both of these founders are considered two of the most influential philosophers and spiritual leaders native to China. Both emerged as a result of the fall of the Zhou Dynasty (Sellman, 2006). Both of these religions encourage their followers to live well rounded lives. Taoism is centered in nature and how it can make one’s life better and Confucianism is based on harmony with society.

Confucianism is both a philosophy and a religion (Mei, 2017). Confucianism is focused on setting a good example (Harbsmeier, 2013). This is done through five relationships; ruler and subject, wife and husband, older and younger sibling, friend and friend and father and son (Mei, 2017). It is an all encompassing way of life focused on morals, humanity and ethics, and teaches that each person should behave virtuously in every social setting (Mei, 2017). In contrast, Taoism focuses on living harmoniously with everyone. Taoism is also considered a philosophy and a religion which reaches into every aspect of an adherent’s life (White Paper, 2003). Taoism is based on the idea that the universe and everything in it moves because of a mysterious force or control known as the “Tao” (Sellman, 2006). Tao is also used to describe human

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