Taoism <br>Confucianism

-400 Taoism is an ancient Chinese philosophy, which was established around 6th century B.C from Lao Che who according to some sources lived at that time. (We are not sure if he was a real person). It started as a philosophy and became the official religion of the country under the Tang Dynasty. Taoism is therefore both a philosophy and a religion. It emphasizes doing what is natural and "going with the flow" in accordance with the Tao that means road, energy, direction of energy. Tao is a cosmic force which flows through all things and binds and releases them. It is the idea of a superior reality. Taoism emphasizes to social interaction, the will for learning and dialogue. Every human should seek with simplicity, calmness and mental freedom his own truth, receiving wisdom from nature. Taoism influenced not only China, but also the whole of Asia.


The philosopher Confucius (551 to 479 BC) is the recognized founder of Confucianism which focuses on education as a means of attaining worth and status. The attention of Confucius was attracted towards very practical considerations of this world rather than seeking consolation in otherworldly notions. In Confucianism the base of the superior man is the love he has for the rest of the humans. He is not sad when other people succeed. When he meets superior men he hopes to be like them, when he meets inferior he thinks of his own flaws. He does not look down into his inferiors; he does not become flatterer to his superiors. Societies, in order to survive, they need powerful and responsible leaders and active responsible residents. Confucianism was shaped in the 6th century BC and was adopted by the Han dynasty after the 3rd century BC as a administrative system of the country. The teachings of Confucius have come down to our days through his Analects, a collection of aphorisms, maxims and different anecdotes, probably compiled by his students.

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