Confucianism like Taoism are two of the most influential philosophies in Eastern culture. They not only provide a way of thinking but a way of life. Both philosophies are concerned with the quality of life and the condition of the peoples involved. They do not focus on the after lives, or controlling the lives of others. Instead they focus on the individual, and the way or the path that the individual takes. Although Confucianism is the more dominant of the two philosophies, they both have had an enormous impact on Chinese culture. .
Confucianism founded by Confucius, a charismatic leader born in 551 bc, basis it theories on the Tao or the way. Confucius believed that the ancients learned how to make the way great by having knowledge of "the way of things". Knowing that they could ultimately perfect themselves by learning wisdom and willingness to serve others. Confucius felt these people were the best model to lead the way for others. By perfecting ourselves, he felt that we could perfect the state and the family. .
Taoism unlike Confucianism did not believe that the individual could perfect their ways. They could only learn the ways of nature and keep the balance by not interfering with it. Lao Tzu the founder of Taoism believed that nature was apart of two forces in the universe. Ying the contractive force and yang the expansive force. Unlike Confucius, he believed that using ancient philosophers as models would lead to more disorder than trying to follow the natural way of things. He believed that the natural way of things is eternal and unchanging. Therefore it cannot be taken away from or improved upon. Making the wisest always ignorant. .
Both religions spoke of the sage also known as a mentor of spiritual and philosophical topics. Confucius believed this individual was able to govern because he was wise, honest, virtuous and humane. Being all of these things would make him an example unto the people in which he governed.
