Confucianism & Taoism... Heather Mathis

What is the Human Condition?

The human condition is Confucianism is social disfunction. There are two types of people Realists and Mohists. Realists basically thought people were more focused on themselves and not with the world or people around them, and Mohists thought that people were good and would assume a personal commitment to do their job in the world.

In Taoism the human condition is the imbalance between the yin and yang. I really liked what Huston Smith said in the book "Life does not move onward and upward toward a fixed pinnacle or pole. It bends back upon itself to come full circle to the realization that all ia one an all is well." Basically we are imbalanced with the universe.

What is the solution to this condition?

Confucianism- Jen, Chun tzu, Li, Te, Wen. Jen means being able to feel for others, not being selfish, and having a good heart. Chun tzu means being a mature person who helps others. Li is the way things should be done and relationships between husband and wife, parent and child, older sibling and younger sibling, ruler to subject. Te means power and the thought that people should believe that their leaders were working for the common good and to trust them. Wen is the arts of peace.

Taoism would prescribe medicines as a solution

How do we move from problem to solution?

In Confucianism you try to live a good life according to the laws and structure, focus more on social responsibility. With Taoism you just accept that three is good and bad and really its all just reality.

How best to live the solution in our own lives?

Following what Confucius' five key points Jen, Chun tzu, Li, Te, Wen. Trying to be a selfless person who has self respect and respect for others.

In Taoism go with the flow of the Tao not against doing things like Tai-chi to find balance.