Seneca Vs Kongzi
Susana Toledano
Professor Newbill
Ethics, Option 23
4 June 2013
A Student’s Attempt in Making a Mr. Wenllib Paper: The Chinese Way
Western and Eastern ideas are not usually aligned with each other. Both are guided and lead to a certain path, but the common thought is that they do not touch. Seneca, who embodies the stoic belief of the western philosophy, and Kongzi, the archetype for Chinese philosophy, are more similar than most would believe since they both aspire one true purpose: virtue. On behalf of the sake of virtue these sophists agree in many doctrines, which allow them to follow dao, The Way even if they are not aware making them ren, virtuous men.
A certain idea must be present in order to start following it. Kongzi says, “The application of colors comes only after a suitable unadorned background is present” (page 8). One cannot start painting unless there is a picture to paint consequently a certain order is to be followed. Seneca would agree to such principle since he says, “We must first establish what it is we seek to gain; then we must search because the road to take us there” (page 85). Whether it is reaching a place, or painting a picture if there lacks a …show more content…
Seneca does not say it quite as clear as Kongzi yet he has the same main idea, “by no action of mine has any man’s freedom been impaired” (page 102), in short mercy is to be given at all times. To both, their contemporaries would never think of such dogma when talking about their enemies. As far as they are concerned they are to abhor them, yet these men see more to it. They see beyond that term of enemy and how it does not take away the human part, they also have a soul. This makes them rethink the situation and allow mercy to come along thus making clear The
Professor Newbill
Ethics, Option 23
4 June 2013
A Student’s Attempt in Making a Mr. Wenllib Paper: The Chinese Way
Western and Eastern ideas are not usually aligned with each other. Both are guided and lead to a certain path, but the common thought is that they do not touch. Seneca, who embodies the stoic belief of the western philosophy, and Kongzi, the archetype for Chinese philosophy, are more similar than most would believe since they both aspire one true purpose: virtue. On behalf of the sake of virtue these sophists agree in many doctrines, which allow them to follow dao, The Way even if they are not aware making them ren, virtuous men.
A certain idea must be present in order to start following it. Kongzi says, “The application of colors comes only after a suitable unadorned background is present” (page 8). One cannot start painting unless there is a picture to paint consequently a certain order is to be followed. Seneca would agree to such principle since he says, “We must first establish what it is we seek to gain; then we must search because the road to take us there” (page 85). Whether it is reaching a place, or painting a picture if there lacks a …show more content…
Seneca does not say it quite as clear as Kongzi yet he has the same main idea, “by no action of mine has any man’s freedom been impaired” (page 102), in short mercy is to be given at all times. To both, their contemporaries would never think of such dogma when talking about their enemies. As far as they are concerned they are to abhor them, yet these men see more to it. They see beyond that term of enemy and how it does not take away the human part, they also have a soul. This makes them rethink the situation and allow mercy to come along thus making clear The