Social inequality is a matter of the prejudiced external classification of minority groups, and the idea of where those minority groups fall in the social class. These groups can include: women and the working class. Influential ancient Chinese philosophers, Confucius and Lao Tzu have two distinct perspectives on the treatment and social classification of minority groups. First, in the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu advocated for feminist ideas supporting equality among both men and women; through The Analects, we note Confucius believed in the inferiority of women to men. Second, Lao Tzu believed it was not ideal to divide the impoverished and the wealthy in a socio-economic structure; Confucius however, believed in a structured division of upper and
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He spoke of substantial actions men must take to in order to become a chivalric community-serving and honorable individual. Characteristics of a gentleman include having self-containment and being humble. However , one of Confucius’ themes is the danger of the power of the female which described women as a force that ultimately led men to immorality . In a way, Confucius was using women as a means to disguise men’s inability to control themselves. He made women seem evil and intoxicating by projecting onto them a flaw prevalent in males. Moreover, he expresses himself about others in a way that arrogantly implies he holds superiority. He stated, “You can discuss the loftiest matters with those who are above average, but not with those who are below average” (Confucius 17). Here, he is referring to the common people, once more disproving the interaction between them and other people because he believes they are average and not worthy of speaking to those “above them.” His lack of respect towards under-represented groups and male chauvinistic ideals confirm Confucius’ self-proclamation of gentlemanness is indeed fallacious. Confucius’ mis-representation of the concept of chivalry portrays his lack of ethical understanding of the society around him.
Certainly, Confucius’ and Lao Tzu’s ideologies have guided humanity’s roadmap since ancient history. Their long-lasting works have allowed people all over the world find the one truth that encompasses us all. The difference that promotes Lao Tzu’s teachings over Confucius, however, is the classification of people below or above us, the ultimate flaw in ethical
He spoke of substantial actions men must take to in order to become a chivalric community-serving and honorable individual. Characteristics of a gentleman include having self-containment and being humble. However , one of Confucius’ themes is the danger of the power of the female which described women as a force that ultimately led men to immorality . In a way, Confucius was using women as a means to disguise men’s inability to control themselves. He made women seem evil and intoxicating by projecting onto them a flaw prevalent in males. Moreover, he expresses himself about others in a way that arrogantly implies he holds superiority. He stated, “You can discuss the loftiest matters with those who are above average, but not with those who are below average” (Confucius 17). Here, he is referring to the common people, once more disproving the interaction between them and other people because he believes they are average and not worthy of speaking to those “above them.” His lack of respect towards under-represented groups and male chauvinistic ideals confirm Confucius’ self-proclamation of gentlemanness is indeed fallacious. Confucius’ mis-representation of the concept of chivalry portrays his lack of ethical understanding of the society around him.
Certainly, Confucius’ and Lao Tzu’s ideologies have guided humanity’s roadmap since ancient history. Their long-lasting works have allowed people all over the world find the one truth that encompasses us all. The difference that promotes Lao Tzu’s teachings over Confucius, however, is the classification of people below or above us, the ultimate flaw in ethical