Lao Tzu V.S. Confucius

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Alexander Orr Philosophy 101 Quinnipiac University Writing Assignment #3 The Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu and Analects by Confucius have similar intentions with a common end result but vary immensely in how to achieve that result as well as what the ultimate result is. The two of them aim to move away from the selfishness of the individual and focus on a greater harmony society. Confucius describes a much more active role in the pursuit of “the way” and how to achieve a good and harmonious existence. That it is achieved through obedience, justice and learning. If society promotes these values then they will inevitably be reflected in the individual. Lao Tzu however focuses much more on self-contentment and a much more independent way of living. Both philosophies became extremely prevalent in Chinese society in the sixth century B.C. and continue to maintain massive influence around the world today. The ideals of these two varied philosophies are complementary in that they both hold that the ultimate goal for an individual in Chinese society rise above the everyday petty and strife and achieve a higher plane of consciousness. To become enlightened and in tune with the aspects of the universe and how to achieve goodness within it. This is referred to as “the way”. Only as fully realized human beings can we unify the two sides of our nature; intellectual wisdom and practical knowledge. Applying this to social action essentially creates a utopian society. Both of the ideologies acknowledge that individuals must be united through the pursuit of “the way” for it to succeed. We must ignore our individual greed because in the end everyone will suffer, society will never achieve harmony as long as we walk over other to benefit ourselves. For example according to Lao Tzu “The government is divided, fields are overgrown, granaries are empty, but the nobles’ clothes
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