Daoism and Confucianism are the two most important and influential philosophies in Asia. However, the two teachings have significant differences as can be demonstrated from the two quotations from the respective teachings. The carefree nature of Daoism is contrasted to the solemn and grave nature of Confucianism. In the Daoist quote, the man does not have any obligation and he moves about life without concerning himself with his destiny.
The man takes pleasure in what life offers him without becoming too attached to it. On the other hand, the Confucius quote talks about discipline and obedience. The young man in the quote is exhorted to be a good son and an obedient man since this is the root of a person’s true character.
The practical and clear-cut nature of Confucian writings is contrasted with the mysticism and paradoxical nature of Daoist text. The Confucius quote gives practical advice in a language that is easy to follow and one can easily interpret what is being said. The thoughts expressed are also easy to apply in a person’s life and the deeper meaning of the text is easy to deduce. Contrary to this, the Daoist text is written in a mystical manner and there can be various interpretations of the true meaning of the writings.
Just as Tao has different meanings, the text can be interpreted in many different ways by a person. The love of paradox by Daoism is clearly illustrated in the quote though the sentences in the writings which appear to be paradoxical in nature. While it is easy to understand the morals being communicated through the Confucian text, the Daoist quote is open to interpretations just as the Tao is difficult for anyone to grasp.
The Confucian emphasis on respecting authority figures is contrasted with the Daoist focus on humans as individuals. The Confucian quote advises against transgressing against one’s superior and the man of good character is expected to avoid such action. This will preserve social harmony since order will be maintained if the authority figures are respected. The emphasis on social harmony is evident from the way the quote praises the good son who is obedient and shows no inclination to start a rebellion.
The Confucian focus on how people relate in the society and the Daoism focus on the cycles of nature are elaborated by these quotes. The Confucian text talks about how the young man behaves well and shows respect to his superior. The text serves as a code of conduct, informing people on how to act in order to become good members of the society. Following this Confucian teaching will help the individual to attain virtue and ethics that are desirable for harmonious coexistence.
The Daoism text focuses on how a person comes to earth not knowing love or hate and goes back after death to the same state. The concept of endlessness is alluded to in the text with the quote showing that there is no beginning or end for the person. The text focuses on the individual; tracing his journey from birth to death. The emphasis that Daoism places on gaining balance in life is therefore highlighted though this quote.
The different perspectives of how a good life should be lived are also presented in the two texts. Confucianism suggests that the good life is one that is lived by following rules and morals and ethical values in the society. It emphasizes on the importance of discipline and commitment in forming a good character. On the other hand, the Daoist text suggests that life should be lived in an effortless manner. The person presented in the quote takes pleasure when he can find it and forgets about it and moves on when required to. Daoism does not require the person to ascribe to any set of morals or values in order to enjoy life. Instead, emphasis is on how the individual can develop a sense of peace and become more in tune with their true nature.
The two quotes emphasize the differences between the two philosophies and how they complement each other. The texts show how Daoism is more spiritual in nature; being concerned with helping people to find meaning in life while Confucianism is practical; dealing with social matters and fostering unity and harmony in the society.