Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism are all forms of different ways of thinking. These different “thought processes” are considered, in different ways, a big influence on different cultures. The differences in all of these philosophies is what makes them unique, they are, in my opinion, way beyond their own time period. Many people think of these as mostly religion or philosophy, but either may be true. This essay will present the facts associated with each of these ways of thinking. Confucianism was founded around the fifth or sixth century BC, and it is still surviving with around five to six million followers.
Confucianism was not exactly founded by Confucius himself, but he was more of a transmitter to teach other people about this way of life. It greatly impacted the way of life and culture in China, even today it still affects the Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. The main belief in Confucianism is to achieve benevolence, as it signifies excellent character and virtues. Daoism was founded by Lao Zi, and not much is known about him due to many stories of him are thought to be legends and cannot be confirmed. The teaching is about an energy that was given off by all living things.
This energy was called “Dao”. Daoism teaches to forget all worldly possessions and wants and attempt to commune with nature. It basically teaches how people to treat nature and the natural world, as well as themselves personally. Legalism was a way to make all citizens of China model citizens to act as the dynasty at that time wanted them to. They made laws very harsh therefore nobody would be brave enough to break any. It gives the people almost no civil rights or personal freedoms outside of the laws they must abide by. The legalists believed in the well-being of the state or region, not an individual person.
The Essay on Confucianism vs. Daoism
Confucianism and Daoism, although are intermingled among people who practice them, have very different views on what is necessary to become an exemplary person. Confucianism is based on the thought that education, history, structure, rules and regulation will lead to achievement and becoming fully human. Daoists, although they believe in order, hate structure, do not believe in education, and feel ...
Legalism was also founded in about 770-221 BC, and the founder was Hsun Tzu. As you can clearly see, these three philosophies molded and shaped Chinese culture and thoughts throughout the early years of its civilization. It still affects the culture today, as many Chinese people still follow these teachings. They all were founded around the same time period and therefore many people of that time probably followed all three philosophies to keep a simple and good life. These three teachings have all survived today, and still have many followers. Without these teachings, there would be a very small cultural difference in the Chinese people.
