Thousands of schools of thought illuminate the minds of the modern world, but older beliefs have not been neglected. Philosophies from multiple eras and locations are studied and appreciated, and one popular place to draw ideology from is China’s Middle Kingdom Era (1045-771 BCE). It was a time rich in viewpoints, but four of the most popular beliefs were Mohism, Confucianism, Legalism, and Daoism. Mohism focuses on universal love, Confucianism prides itself on rules and respect, Legalism feels that independence and efficiency are crucial, and Daoism speculates that the most valuable trait is flexibility and peacefulness. Although the hypothetical harmony of Mohism is appealing, a combination of Daoism and Confucianism is the best philosophy
…show more content…
A key component of its opinion can be seen in the words of Lau Zi, who declares that “the people are difficult to govern: it is because those in authority are too fond of action that the people are difficult to govern.” Daoism’s accepting attitude reminds students that the best solution is often to do nothing at all. It offers a calm mindset, which would aid millions (possibly billions) of hyper-scheduled and overextended people. If this bird’s-eye view was taken by governments across the globe, it would lead to happier civilians. However, governments do need to have some structure and action (otherwise, there would be no real purpose to having one), and a combination of Daoism and Confucianism provides this. Daoism also contributes to a healthy society by promoting a non-materialistic and unenvious lifestyle. This opinion can be also be shown through Lao Zi’s wise writings, where he reminds readers that “there is no crime greater than having too many desires; there is no greater disaster than not being content; there is no misfortune greater than being covetous; hence in being content, one will always have enough.” His words are reminiscent of the ones in hundreds of popular lifestyle sites, showing how this ancient philosophy is still relevant today. As the Western world finally begins to shift away from materialism, Daoism could serve as a guide to a less superficial society. When paired with Confucianism, however, former maximalists would not feel guilty – they would be reassured that it was simply culture that made them this way. For these reasons, a mix of Daoism and Confucianism is the best Chinese school of thought for the twenty-first
A key component of its opinion can be seen in the words of Lau Zi, who declares that “the people are difficult to govern: it is because those in authority are too fond of action that the people are difficult to govern.” Daoism’s accepting attitude reminds students that the best solution is often to do nothing at all. It offers a calm mindset, which would aid millions (possibly billions) of hyper-scheduled and overextended people. If this bird’s-eye view was taken by governments across the globe, it would lead to happier civilians. However, governments do need to have some structure and action (otherwise, there would be no real purpose to having one), and a combination of Daoism and Confucianism provides this. Daoism also contributes to a healthy society by promoting a non-materialistic and unenvious lifestyle. This opinion can be also be shown through Lao Zi’s wise writings, where he reminds readers that “there is no crime greater than having too many desires; there is no greater disaster than not being content; there is no misfortune greater than being covetous; hence in being content, one will always have enough.” His words are reminiscent of the ones in hundreds of popular lifestyle sites, showing how this ancient philosophy is still relevant today. As the Western world finally begins to shift away from materialism, Daoism could serve as a guide to a less superficial society. When paired with Confucianism, however, former maximalists would not feel guilty – they would be reassured that it was simply culture that made them this way. For these reasons, a mix of Daoism and Confucianism is the best Chinese school of thought for the twenty-first