Confucianism, Daoism, &

Buddhism

Confucianism
Created by: Confucius
Created in: 551 b.c.
Created in China
Taught that people should
behave in a moral manner,
if they do society will be at
its best.

Main Ideas of
Confucianism
Children should respect parents
Subjects should respect rulers
Hard work and education are very important
Order is maintained if people know their place and
do what they are supposed to.

Impact of Confucianism
Eventually became official philosophy in China.
Heavily influenced Chinese government, laws, and
culture.

Buddhism
Created by: Siddhartha
Gautama
The first Buddha

Created in India
Created in: 500 b.c.
Taught that people can
escape suffering and
achieve peace despite their
surroundings.

Main Ideas of Buddhism

4 noble truths
Life is suffering
Cause of suffering is desire, greed, ignorance,
attachments.
Teaches how to end desire, greed, etc and become
enlightened.
Respect for property and all forms of life.

Impact of Buddhism
Spread quickly throughout China.
Many temples built.
Influenced Chinese art, literature, and architecture.

Daoism
Created by: Laozi
Created in: 5th century (500
b.c.)
Created in: China
Taught that people should
live a simple life, close to
nature.

Main Ideas of Daoism

The Dao (the Way) is an indescribable force that
rules the universe and all of nature.
People should live simply, study nature and live in
harmony with nature.
People should be themselves and not be controlled
by laws or other people.
People should avoid power and politics.

Impact of Daoism
Influenced Chinese thought, art, medicine and
culture.
Creation of yin/yang symbol
Shows 2 balanced sides of life