Confucianism Vs Daosim

A question that many religions try to answer is “how does one live a good life?” Many of the tenets religions lay out overlap, but often there are key differences. For example, Confucianism and Daoism share many characteristics. However, there are obviously enough discrepancies to warrant a separation of the two.

Both Confucianism and Daoism share similar beginnings. Confucianism and Daoism both originate from China. Confucianism, despite the name, was not entirely created by Confucius. As stated by Tak-ling Woo (258), a portion of the Five Classics predate Confucius. Daoism traces its origins to Daodejing¸ written attributed to Laozi, and the Zhuangzi. These two religions share three concepts: the idea of harmony, the idea of self-cultivation, and The Way. These concepts break down the process of how to live a good life.

Self-cultivation is the process of achieving harmony. Confucianism’s process is focused on more on rites; which included not only religious rituals, but also social etiquette. The main concerns of Confucianism, according to Tak-ling Woo (259), are political, familial, individual, and cosmic. Daoism on the other hand acknowledges that the self is not enduring, and that reality depends on context. Confucianism is much more focused on social matters while Daoism seeks meaning in life.

The idea of harmony differs between these two religions. The Classics of Confucianism make it clear that harmony cannot be achieved by an individual. Harmony in Daoism refers to wuwei, or effortless action. The sage, a person a Daoist models their behavior after, is a master of wuwei and non-coercive learning. Again, a harmonious life in Confucianism revolves around society.

This leads us to the concept of the Way. Confucianists use the term to refer to social responsibilities, such as familial and stately duties. From the Analects: “When your parents are alive, serve them in accordance with the rites: when they pass away,