Confucianism and Taoism were two major philosophies that originated in ancient China. Confucianism was founded by Confucius, who lived from 551-479 BC and sought to restore social order through strong family loyalty, respect of elders, and self-cultivation. Taoism was based on the teachings of Laozi and emphasized achieving balance, harmony with nature, and non-action. Both philosophies influenced Chinese thought, though Confucianism focused more on social relationships and Taoism promoted simplicity and preserving one's energy.

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

3. ConfuciusConfucius’’
TeachingsTeachings

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”

7. Taoism:
teachings of Laozi

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

13. By: Sheu
Period D
May 23, 2008