Confucianism And Daoism Analysis

The Chinese ideologies Confucianism and Daoism were similar as they encouraged self-knowledge and influenced art and differed in their ideals about the government and view on what makes a person wise. Confucianism and Daoism both agreed that a person’s individual pursuit of knowledge was important to their success. Confucius, the founder of Confucianism, enforced the ideas of the essential goodness of each individual and that character, not birth was important. He believed that anyone could work their way up on the ladder of success, so to speak by the knowledge they possessed. (Spodek 209) In the Analects, a collection of thoughtful perceptions attributed to Confucius, it says “I am not one who was born with knowledge; I am one who loves
Chinese Confucian art spread west on the Silk Road, south down to southern China and then onto Southeast Asia, and east through northern China on to Japan and Korea. Notable elements of this art are the calligraphy of Confucian writings and thoughts, often contained within Confucian temples and schools, as well as ceramics and pottery related to Confucian religious and educational practices. The famous Chinese poet Du Fu from the Tang dynasty was linked to Confucianism as well, and wrote poems influenced by the philosophies teachings. (Spodek 228) Likewise, Daoism is often seen as an inspiration to artists, and because it advocates a high regard for nature, is often seen as an inspiration to natural scientists as well. (Spodek 211) The Chinese poet Li Bai from the Tang dynasty was linked to Daoism and wrote poems and stories inspired by
Confucius, after mastering the six arts of ritual, music, archery, chariot driving, calligraphy, and arithmetic, became a teacher. This might be one of reasons he encouraged education so strongly. He believed that good government relied upon Men of Jen. Men of Jen were men of humanity, benevolence, virtue, and culture. (Spodek 209) Confucius believed that proper education was necessary for success in life. Daoism taught that randomness and simplicity had power over education. After renouncing learning, supposedly there were no troubles in the Daoist view because they believed that then, everyone would be equal and thus act kind and filial towards each other.