Page 1 Whatever the truth, Taoism and Confucianism have to be seen side-by-side as two distinct responses to the social, political and philosophical conditions of life two and a half millennia ago in China. Whereas Confucianism is greatly concerned with social relations, conduct and human society, Taoism has a much more individualistic and mystical character, greatly influenced by nature. In Lao Tzu's view things were said to create "unnatural" action (wei) by shaping desires (yu). The …showed first 75 words of 847 total…

…showed last 75 words of 847 total…set a good example to the people. In education Confucius upheld the theory that "in education, there is no class distinction" (Lao Tzu! 15:38 in Wing-Tsit Chan 44) Page 4 In the view of some scholars, Confucius will be revered in the future as China's greatest teacher; Confucian classics will be studied, and Confucian virtues, embodied for countless generations in the familiar sayings and common-sense wisdom of the Chinese people, will remain the cornerstone of ethics. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**