Taoism and Confucianism — Ancient Philosophies By USHistory.org, adapted by Newsela staff on 06.27.17 Word Count 491 Level 530L A representation of the three philosophies in China. Confucius presenting the young Buddha to Lao-tzu. Photo from Wikimedia. Two great Chinese thinkers were named Lao-tzu and Confucius. They lived about 2,500 years ago in China. People still use their sayings. "Those who know do not say" said Lao-tzu, "those who say do not know." Confucius said that the best people say less, but do more. One great thinker: Lao-tzu Lao-tzu means "Old Master" or "Old Boy." The story is that he was born with white hair, already old and wise. Very little is known about Lao-tzu. It is not even certain that he was real. Lao-tzu did not think people were good enough to one another. This made him sad. He left to live alone. At his town gate, a man asked Lao-tzu to write down his thoughts. Three days later Lao-tzu returned with a small book, called the "Tao Te Ching." This book held the beliefs that started Taoism. This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com. Taoism Taoism says there is an unknown force. This force flows through everything. This force is called the Tao, which means "The Way." The Tao also explains about truth, power, and wonder. Taoists believe that everything might seem separate, but is really all one. Taoists try to remember that they are part of the one. This is easier said than done, Lao-tzu said. Over time, Taoism changed a bit. Taoists prayed to gods and ancestors. They studied an energy in the body they called "chi." Taoism became more popular when it became the official beliefs of China. Many people practice Taoism today. Another great thinker: Confucius Confucius traveled all across China. He was a government worker and he helped the royal family. He also was a teacher, and a musician who played songs. After Confucius died, his students wrote down what he had said. This work was called the Lun-yü or the Analects. The beliefs of Confucius are called Confucianism. Confucianism Confucianism says it is important to learn how to be. People should be kind. They should act with goodness toward each other. Confucianism uses the word "jen" to mean goodness. Confucianism has rules about how to do things. For example, a branch from a willow tree should be carried when someone dies. The branch is for the person's spirit. Rules like this are in the "I Ching," or "Book of Changes." Confucius had many ideas. His sayings were very important in China in the past. His clever sayings are still used. For example, he said it was hard to be poor and not complain, and also hard to be rich and not be snobby. Two ways of thinking Confucianism tells people how to act toward each other. Taoism tells people how to find meaning in life. Both share ideas about people and the world. Both Taoism and Confucianism have helped people for over 2,000 years. Good thinking lasts a long time! This article is available at 5 reading levels at https://newsela.com.
