Daoism Vs.

Confucianism

Have you ever considered why it is so important to differentiate the two philosophies and
how it affects individuals? Taoism and Confucianism are two philosophies that have been stuck
for thousands of years, and are well known for their history and their teachings. Both
philosophies have been around the same time between the fifth and sixth century (Duignan n.d.,).
Confucianism and Daoism have striking similarities, however, they have many differences that
many people don't notice.

Taosim and Confucianism have multiple similarities. One of the similarities of Daosim
and Confucianism is their belief to be kind and respectful to one another. Furthermore, both
philosophies focus on obtaining peace and virtue. The third similarity of the two philosophies is
how they affect an individual's daily life. The taoist lives everyday in an active and
accomplishing way. Everything is focused on experience and it offers an edge that keeps people
strong, fit and healthy and is not to force, fret or struggle to control and manipulate reality, but to
relax, smile, and float downstream, allowing things to naturally unfold. In doing so, we come
back into alignment with the natural. Similarly Confucianism focuses on respecting the elderly,
having good morals and good responsibility. In a way, the two philosophies want you to have
good behaviour. The last similarity of Confucianism and Daoism is their teaching, in another
sense they entail peace and good behavior.

The first difference between the two philosophies are their principles. Confucianism
principle is all about the brotherhood of humanity on the other hand, daoisms’ principle, the
“tao” is the only principle and the rest are manifestations of it (Kate et al., 2009). The second
difference between the two is their view of life and death. Confucianism views death as
important as ancestor and heritage is important, but not worshiped, unlike Daoism. Daoism
views death in this manner: if immortality isn't attained during life, the “Tao” will continue to evolve and
reveal in different forms & shape, with the entity state of existence. This applies to all living and
non-living beings (Kate et al., 2009).

Another difference between Confucianism and Daoism are their practices. Confucianism
is practiced by visiting temples to pay respect to a God named Ti’en, Confucius also practiced
Jing zuo or ‘quiet sitting’, a neo-confucian seeking for self-education (Kate et al., 2009). Unlike
Daoism, Confucianism practices meditation, breathing and purity. The fourth difference between
the two philosophies is the way they pass down their teachings. The way that Confucianism
passes down their teaching is through dialogues from one person to another, whereas the way
Daoism operates is by direct writing.
 A notable difference between Daoism and Confucianism are their main goals.
Confucianism's main goal is to achieve social harmony, with teaching that makes you have a
good moral character, respecting your elders, and treating other people with respect in order to
have social peace and harmony with one another. Confucianism ingrained itself in Chinese
history and culture. Confucianism is often characterized as a system of social and ethical
philosophy rather than a religion (Julita n.d.,). Daoism's main goal is to gain balance in one's life,
where the teachings is to embrace nature and the main concept of tao describes a spiritual reality,
the order of the universe, being in harmony with the virtues of empathy and restraint. In addition,
Daoism is more on a spiritual level. Daoism is an ancient Chinese religion, instead of a tradition
or in a religious way of life or philosophical circles of life. The literal meaning of the word Tao is
path or way, and it is found in many other Chinese texts and is not limited to Daoism (Taoism
and Confucianism, n.d.), Confucianism is more down to earth. The worldly concern of
Confucianism rests upon the belief that individuals are essentially good, teachable and able to be
perfected through personal and common goals, especially self-education and homemade creation.
Confucian focuses on the development of virtue in a morally organized world (Taoism and
Confucianism, n.d.). Confucianism is a philosophy that is more grounded here on Earth because
of its connection to the immediate society while Daoism is more encircled as it is relating to
man’s connection to the entire universe.

In conclusion, The two philosophies have teachings that have ingrained not only in
chinese culture and have stuck around for thousands of years, it has also affected many people's
lives. Confucianism and Daoism both teach the significance of having disciplined behavior, and
the empathic treatment of one’s neighbor. Both of these philosophies or religions are widely
accepted by different races, which is not only limited to Asians in general. Though many
differences arise from these philosophies, their impact on an individual’s being and search for the
meaning of life and virtues that can be applied is undeniable. Confucianism and Daosim requires
the individual to truly reflect upon their relationship with the self, the other and the Earth. It
necessitates the believer to contemplate life. These philosophies provide a home ground for those
who are seeking for meaning in all aspects of life. To do so, one must allow themselves to be
influenced by either philosophy, to be enveloped by its teachings and to be influenced by its
principles.
Reference List:

Difference Between Daoism and Taoism.(2012, October,9)

https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-daoism-and-vs-taoism/

Duigan,. (n.d). What is the difference between Daosim and Confucianism?/ Britannica
What is the Difference Between Daoism and Confucianism? | Britannica

Julita , . (2011, August 17). Difference Between Taoism and Confucianism. Difference Between
Similar Terms and Objects. Difference Between Taoism and Confucianism | Difference Between

Kate et al., (n.d.).Confucianism vc. Taoism - Difference and Comparison / Diffen. Confucianism
vs Taoism - Difference and Comparison | Diffen

Taoism and Confucianism | Introduction to Sociology.(n.d.). Taoism and Confucianism |

Introduction to Sociology (lumenlearning.com)