Historical texts show elements involving the world order like social hierarchy, morality, obedience and spiritualism. In China, Confucius and Taoism texts ends up used in depicting world orders (Ren, 2011). Confucianism involves believing in setting best examples in the society for others to follow. Comparatively, Taoism refers to living a life without many rules, majors in creating happiness through harmony and nature. The analysis of the two texts shows their similarities and difference with the underlying reasons. This paper compares Confucius and Taoist texts in an analytical manner. Confucius and Taoist texts are similar in the manner of adherence to obedience within the society. They both foster the aspect of individuals acting towards communal expectations as a way of eliminating individualism while encouraging strong social ties (Ren, 2011). For instance, part 1 of Confucius passage speaks of the advantage of having friends from distant quarters while part 2 of Taoist text says of how people in the society depend on each other. They also have a similarity in ensuring morals hence upholding the world order of morality. According to Ren (2011), both Confucius and Taoist texts ensure that individuals in the society turnout as morally upright. For instance, part 54 of Taoist text speaks of how to do a self-judgment of morality while end of part 2 from Confucius text illustrates how character can end up molded in an individual. Confucianism and Taoism vary in the manner of explaining social hierarchy. Confucius contexts regard women, children and slaves as inferior to men, father and masters respectfully while Taoist perceives all as socially equal (Ren, 2011). For example, in part 3 of confusion text passage, the man is regarded superior to a husband and a wife while part 3 of Taoist text speaks of esteeming men(husband, father, master) in the family is like making others (wives, children, servants) powerless in the society. Taoist bases on social equity by following the way (Tao) in the society while Confucius value social hierarchies through respect towards superiors. The two Asian historical texts also vary in matters of spirituality. Ren (2011) stated that Confucianism believe in the human conduct towards God while Taoism belief in humanity’s relationship with nature. For instance, in Taoist text from part 2, every component of nature ends up appraised as beautiful while part 20 of Confucius text described God as a sovereign being. Taoist spirituality turns out based on a good relationship with nature while Confucius’ to a good relationship with God. When critically analyzed, it is evident that the way in which Confucius and Taoist texts have presented their views on spirituality, morality, obedience and social hierarchy in their respective passages have some significance. The literary styles used in historical texts depict ideal impacts in bringing out their meanings to the reader (Ren, 2011). Confucius text uses a dialogue while Taoist applies the poem format in the presentation of views on the underlying issues of world order. The way in which Confucius and Taoist texts have ended up presenting their views about spirituality, morality, obedience and social hierarchy contain some significance. The literary styles used in historical texts depict ideal impacts in bringing out their meanings to the reader. Confucius uses analects called Lun-yu’ of a dialogue between Confucius (K’ung Fu-tzu) and his disciples (Ren, 2011). The dialogue is a collection of ethical and moral principles to act as set principles. The use of a dialogue between Confusion and his learners in the presentations of views in Confucius text is for preserving the original meaning of the text. Ren (2011) discussed that the literary style of analects also ended up chosen for elaboration purposes. On the other hand, Taoist text takes up the format of collections of ideas and facts presented in a poem form. The use of facts and ideas in the form of stanzas is out of the involvement of different spiritual thinkers that came together and wrote the passage.
References
Ren, J. (2011). Why Has the Influence of Confucian and Taoist Thought Been So Profound a So Long-Lasting in China? Contemporary Chinese Thought, 30, 1, 35-44.
