Both Taoism and Confucianism emerged in ancient China in response to indigenous culture, values, and spiritual ways (Fisher 178). In ancient Chinese tradition, the universe is seen as arising from the interplay of yin and yang, which are made of energy commonly represented as interlocking shapes with dominance shifting between the dark, receptive yin and the bright, assertive yang mode. Though similar in terms of their mutual belief in the necessity of achieving harmony and maintaining balance, Taoism is generally regarded as more mystical and Confucianism as more focused on political and moral ways (Fisher 179). The purpose of this essay is to identify the difference between these two systems, a topic selected because Taoism and Confucianism together offer ways of looking at and being in the world that can lead to fulfillment and a noble way of being.
Taoism as represented in the Tao Te Ching of Lao Tzu ( xi) places ôintegrityö or ôteö at its center. The Tao is a reality that is transcendent and which is often understood as ônonbeing.ö The Tao is the ômother of all things,ö but it cannot be explicitly named. Tao also translates as ôthe Way,ö a reference to the kind of life that is seen as important. Taoism argues that there is a single, overarching Way that encompasses everything in the universe (Lao Tzu xvii).ö
The underlying philosophy of Taoism is that life is best when it is calm and flowing (Fisher 182). Becoming detached from the stress and materialism of human society is seen by Taoist believers as essential. Lao Tzu (4) says: The Tao that can be told of/Is not the Absolute Tao,/The Names that can be given/ are not Absolute Names.ö This single sentence from the Tao Te Ching demonstrates the inherently mystical nature of this religious belief system.
The principle of ôwu-weiö or doing nothing is also important in Taoism. This also refers to taking no action that is c
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