Laozi And Confucius Similarities
The teachings of Laozi and Confucius are similar in a lot of ways. They were both borne out of warring states in China and thus have central teachings around nonviolence and peace, which is increasingly relevant given the fighting between the US and parts of the Middle East.
Laozi is the founder of Daoism also called “the way” Life in harmony with the Dao encompasses several basic principles. One is to experience the transcendent unity of all things, rather than focusing on what separates them. Daoism is concerned with direct experiences. Daoism contains a unique paradox called wu wei- ‘actions action’. It is the action of letting action take its own course. Taoism also places emphasis on withdrawal from hectic life to a contemplative life
and love of nature.
Interestingly, Confucianism did not begin with Confucius’ ideas. It was based on the ancient Chinese beliefs of Heaven, ancestor worship, and the practice of rituals. Confucius took these ideas and emphasized moral virtues and the balance and interaction between humans, heaven, and politics.The heart of confucian teachings is found in The Analects of Confucius and The Book of Mencius.
It would be hard to separate the worlds problems from the intertwining religious, economic and political strings. Confucius is one of the only ancient religious practitioners of the major religions today, who acknowledged this. In that way his views have transcended time and will likely always be applicable. His views on heaven are similar to other Christian religions, so will be easily adopted by the masses. The idea of heaven is also an excellent way to create incentives for people to live honest lives. His views on violence and small tolerance for it would help ease some of the conflict and tension that is being fueled today. And his acknowledgement of political necessity would be helpful in not scaring scientists, economists, and politicians away from adopting a more moderate and harmonious way of life. Laos’s teachings are very similar and can be incorporated into a confucian life style for the more adamantly non violent folks who wish to lead a more solitary life style. These teachings would be easily incorporated and applied to problems in the world today.
Laozi is the founder of Daoism also called “the way” Life in harmony with the Dao encompasses several basic principles. One is to experience the transcendent unity of all things, rather than focusing on what separates them. Daoism is concerned with direct experiences. Daoism contains a unique paradox called wu wei- ‘actions action’. It is the action of letting action take its own course. Taoism also places emphasis on withdrawal from hectic life to a contemplative life
and love of nature.
Interestingly, Confucianism did not begin with Confucius’ ideas. It was based on the ancient Chinese beliefs of Heaven, ancestor worship, and the practice of rituals. Confucius took these ideas and emphasized moral virtues and the balance and interaction between humans, heaven, and politics.The heart of confucian teachings is found in The Analects of Confucius and The Book of Mencius.
It would be hard to separate the worlds problems from the intertwining religious, economic and political strings. Confucius is one of the only ancient religious practitioners of the major religions today, who acknowledged this. In that way his views have transcended time and will likely always be applicable. His views on heaven are similar to other Christian religions, so will be easily adopted by the masses. The idea of heaven is also an excellent way to create incentives for people to live honest lives. His views on violence and small tolerance for it would help ease some of the conflict and tension that is being fueled today. And his acknowledgement of political necessity would be helpful in not scaring scientists, economists, and politicians away from adopting a more moderate and harmonious way of life. Laos’s teachings are very similar and can be incorporated into a confucian life style for the more adamantly non violent folks who wish to lead a more solitary life style. These teachings would be easily incorporated and applied to problems in the world today.