The Pathways We Follow

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Confucius

 After reading Chapter 13 and 14 of Awakening: An Introduction to the History of Eastern Thought by Patrick S. Bresnan is interesting how early China had two set of pathway that collide one another to set how a person would set a standard to live. Confucianism and Daoism, also known as Taoism, help set your own pathway to society and life. Confucianism focus on creating harmony in society whereas Daoism focuses on a balance in life. 
ideal influential political figure during his time. Confucianism is "often characterized as a system of social and ethical philosophy rather than a religion. In fact, Confucianism built on an ancient religious foundation to establish the social values, institutions, and transcendent ideals of traditional Chinese society" (Berling 1). At the end of chapter 13, Confucius introduced a question for the readers, “is a renaissance of Confucius humanism coming into view on the horizon? Or is it, perhaps, still just beyond the horizon?” I believe Confucius is coming into the horizon because of western influence (Bresnan 290).

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Yin and Yang
However, Daoism introduces a pathway to let go of organized societies and human constructs, and to become one with nature. “Daoism, also spelled Taoism, indigenous religio-philosophical tradition that has shaped Chinese life for more than 2,000 years” (Seidel). The philosophy can be summarized to living in harmony and balance.





Work Cited:
Bresnan, Patrick. Awakening: An Introduction to the History of Eastern Thought. Upper Saddle  River, N.J: Prentice Hall, 1999. Print.

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