Confucianism vs. Chuang Tzu

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Thomas DiZazzo Philosophy of Journalism 04-16-08 Confucianism vs. Chuang Tzu Chuang Tzu was an influential philosopher in 4th century China, categorized as a “Taoist” by Chinese tradition. Though, by definition, he is on another plain from the rest. While writing after Confucius had passed away, master Chuang’s philosophy completely apposes those before him. Chuang argued that our life is limited and the amount of things available to learn is unlimited. To use the limited to pursue the unlimited is simply foolish. While Confucius argued that the only way to achieve a successful and meaningful life was to learn as much as possible in order to find the way, namely by studying everything around you. This is the biggest difference between the two philosophies. Confucius believed that above all else; emphasizing personal and governmental morality and correctness of social relationships, justice, and sincerity is the most important aspect of life. Chuang Tzu believed that how we perceive things are directly related to each of our separate pasts, or our “paths”. Also, that we need to realized that our conclusions and dispositions would be completely different had we experienced another past, even possibly just one single instance. Confucius believed that all things are naturally good. It is only if you haven’t pursued the way that you can turn out evil. He also believed that the most important characteristic of our personalities is created by how we treat others. While Chuang Tzu preached that things are categorized as good or evil. Everything is everything, and we make our own opinions on the level of goodness or the amount of evil. Chuang Tzu is also a complete anarchist. He believed that the world “does not need governing; in fact it should not be governed.” He also proclaimed that good order results spontaneously when things are let alone. This

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