1. Confucianism and Taoism
Life of ConfuciusLife of Confucius
Teachings of Confucianism and TaoismTeachings of Confucianism and Taoism
By: Sheu
Period D
May 23, 2008
For Mr. Haskvitz
2. Background of ConfuciusBackground of Confucius
Born in 551 B.C. in the state of Lu
Worked as: shepard, cowherd, clerk, book-
keeper, governor, chief magistrate of the city
of Chung-tu
Was a thinker, political figure, educator
Founder of the Ru School of Chinese thought
Wanted to restore ancient social order
4. Philosophy
Strong family loyalty
Ancestor worship
Respect of elders by children
Family: basis of ideal government
Good etiquette on daily basis
“Selflessness”
5. Four rules to reach self-
development
To develop himself
To keep his family
To rule the country
To bring harmony to the
world
6. QuotesQuotes
“What you do not wish for yourself, do
not do to others”
“The superior man seeks for it in
himself. The pity man seeks for it in
others”
“When you have faults, do not fear to
abandon them”
8. BackgroundBackground
Originated with the teachings of Laozi:
Born in 604 BC
Sought ways to adopt more peaceful ways
of life
Historically the author of Daodejing
Depicted as the Taoist god
9. Basic PrinciplesBasic Principles
Taught how to achieve balance &
harmony
Emphasized self-preservation
“Do-nothingness”
Was against the Confucian goal to
restore ancient social order
10. Basic Principals (cont.)
Keep their people in “ignorance” or “simple-minded”
Thought human actions towards universe were limited
Most common symbol is Yin Yang figure
Represents perfect balance
If balance: peace and harmony
No balance: confusion and chaos
11. Assessment QuestionsAssessment Questions
1. What was one of Confucius’ quotes?
2. What jobs did Confucius take?
3. What is one of the four Confucianism rules to
reach self-development?
4. Who originated Taoism?
5. What is the main symbol of Taoism?
12. Answers:
1. (Any quote from slide 6 is correct) Sample
answer: “What you do not wish for yourself, do not
do to others”
2.Worked as: shepard, cowherd, clerk, book-keeper,
governor, chief magistrate of the city of Chung-tu
3. (Any one from slide 5 is correct) Sample answer:
to bring harmony to the world
4. Laozi
5. The Yin and Yang symbol