The document explores the philosophies of Confucius and Laozi, highlighting Confucius's background, beliefs, and the foundations of Confucianism, which emphasize the importance of relationships and moral behavior. It contrasts Confucian ideals with Daoism, founded by Laozi, which advocates for a natural and simple life, rejecting strict hierarchies and laws. Through their teachings, both philosophers offer distinct approaches to ethics and governance in ancient China.

1. (Confucius and Laozi)(Confucius and Laozi)
By Kitty WangBy Kitty Wang

2. Confucius’s Childhood
• Small state of Lu in 551 B.C.
• Poor but respected family
• Studied poetry, history, archery,
and music
• Second child of family

3. Start in his IdeasStart in his Ideas
• Took a job collecting taxes from farmers
for the ruler of Lu
• Saw for himself laws not enforced
• Dishonest officials took bribes, or legal
payments, to do favors for the rich
• Peasants starved while rulers taxed them
to pay for wars

4. BeliefsBeliefs
 Cause of anarchy around him was simpleCause of anarchy around him was simple
 Interested that all men suppose to beInterested that all men suppose to be 君子君子 , or, or
“true gentlemen”“true gentlemen”
 State need to set good exampleState need to set good example
 Relationship between a ruler and his peopleRelationship between a ruler and his people
was importantwas important
 Establishing good relationships with one’sEstablishing good relationships with one’s
parents and others more important thanparents and others more important than
educationeducation

5. Confucianism: The Five KeyConfucianism: The Five Key
Relationships and Filial PietyRelationships and Filial Piety
Superior or Older PersonSuperior or Older Person
(Duty set a good example(Duty set a good example
of proper behavior)of proper behavior)
Junior of Younger PersonJunior of Younger Person
(Duty to offer respect and(Duty to offer respect and
obedience)obedience)
RulerRuler SubjectSubject
FatherFather SonSon
HusbandHusband WifeWife
Older BrotherOlder Brother Younger BrotherYounger Brother
Older FriendOlder Friend Younger FriendYounger Friend

6. Who is Laozi?Who is Laozi?
 Born on 500s B.C.Born on 500s B.C.
 Legendary person to write Tao Te Chin, orLegendary person to write Tao Te Chin, or
“The Way and Its Power”“The Way and Its Power”
 Founder of DaoismFounder of Daoism

7. Daoism
 Dao means “a way,” “a road,” or “the way of
nature”
 Based on ancient Chinese beliefs about how
world works
 Simple and natural life
 Yin and Yang

8. Continuation of DaoismContinuation of Daoism
 Earth, Heaven, and people should followEarth, Heaven, and people should follow
DaoDao
 Dislike Confucians’ talk of relationshipDislike Confucians’ talk of relationship
between “superior” and junior peoplebetween “superior” and junior people
 Saw everyone as good and equalSaw everyone as good and equal
 Little use for laws and governmentLittle use for laws and government

9. The EndThe End
Special thanks to Frank Kong, the 74Special thanks to Frank Kong, the 74thth
generation of Confuciusgeneration of Confucius

10. The EndThe End
Special thanks to Frank Kong, the 74Special thanks to Frank Kong, the 74thth
generation of Confuciusgeneration of Confucius