Three Philosophies In Ancient China

1500 Words3 Pages

Adrienne Hwang

5/19/17

6-4

Daoism and the Affect on the Daily Life of the Ancient Chinese (道教) There were three philosophies back in ancient China (中国) (Bower et.al, 224, 225).

Those three philosophies were, Confucianism (儒), Daoism (道教), and Legalism (法家)

(Bower et.al, 224, 225). Each philosophy was different. Confucianism (儒) focused on

respecting their elders (Bower et.al, 226, 227). Daoism (道教) focused more on being one

with nature (Bower et.al, 228, 229). Lastly, Legalism (法家) focused on punishing those

who did poorly on their jobs (Bower et.al, 230, 231). Each of these philosophies affected

the daily life in some sort of way. Confucianism (儒) was founded by Confucius (孔子)

(Bower et.al, 226). Legalism was founded by Hanfeizi (韩非子) (Bower et.al, 230). …show more content…

Although each philosophy has a certain impact, there is a question that many people

ask. How did Daoism (道教) affect the daily life of the ancient Chinese? Daosim (道教)

had been apart of the ancient Chinese life for more than 2,000 years (Seidel,

Strickmann). Daoism (道教) was founded by Lao Tzu (老子)(Bower, 228). Daoist (道 士)

tradition is a mix of Confucian and folk tradition. Daoism (道教) and Confucianism (儒)

were very similar, and were often confused with each other (Seidel, Strickmann,

Influence). Now, scholars draw a less rigid line between the two philosophies (Seidel,

Strickmann). Daoism (道教) is also called Taoism (Bower et.al, 228). Daoism …show more content…

The fifth

secret is to have a good attitude (all of this is from “Longevity”). As stated in the

paragraph above, Daoists (道士) were very carefree and kind (Seidel, Strickmann).

Daoists (道士) believed that if one sees his/her body as something to be conquered or

dominated, that it limits life (which is the opposite of longevity)(“Longevity”).

“The more that a person resists the world, the more the world resists it.” Authors

of Personal Tao states (“Longevity”).

The sixth secret is to have spiritual practice. If a person wants to achieve

longevity, they must have a reason to do so. If one does spiritual practice, it gives

him/her a motivation to enjoy a longer life. The seventh secret is to avoid addiction.

Addiction can stop one from reaching his/her goal (“Longevity”).

An example used in the website is: “if you lived 100 years and only watched

television, have you lived at all?” (“Longevity”)

Today, smoking, and drugs are a few deadly addictions. If one gets addicted to

drugs, they could die. Drugs and smoking can prevent you from reaching your

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