Confucianism Vs. Western Religion
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The teachings of Confucius are the best for a society to live by. The teachings are good for individuals and can have a positive impact on society as a whole. If choosing between Confucius, Mo Tzu, and Taoism the principles of Confucius are the best for people to live by.
The essence of the teachings of Confucius is to love one another. I found the backbone of his teachings to not be too different from those of Christianity. It would do society well to treat others in the way that Confucius stated that we should. The way being “Do not do to others what you do not wish yourself,” and “Do to others as you wish yourself”. These are very basic rules that would be beneficial for anyone to live by. However, actually doing such things and living in this manner is difficult to do all the time. These rules are very good to strive for though. If all individuals treated others with the respect that they themselves desires then the world would end up being a much happier place, and people would get along much better.
A third teaching of Confucius that I found to be important for individuals in society to practice is the idea of doing for nothing”. Individuals should do what is right without expecting to get anything in return. The mere act of doing holds the value of the action. In todays society it could be the simple action of holding a door open for an individual. Volunteer work for no reason other than to help others would be another good example of this. Habitat for Humanity comes to mind as an example of volunteering to benefit others but, no benefit to the self other then the act.
I disagree with the statement that Confucius said about himself though regarding the Ming. This statement was “If my principles are to prevail in this world then it is the Ming. If it is to fall to the ground it is also the Ming”. I feel as though although human nature and forces of the outside world may fight against his desire to live by his own teachings, that the power to live by his teachings rest in him.
Good morals are the basics for the teachings of Confucianism, and are good for all individuals in a society to follow.