hist16b: essay 2 prep

prompt 1: explain 3 major ideas from daosim [wuwei]

wuwei direct translation → non-action

the idea that purposeful action will simply lead you to the opposite

example of self-cultivation which is prevalent in confucianism would simply lead an individual to self destruction and chaos

• contrarian aspect of human nature, we have a natural desire for success and fulfilling our desires but it often equates to a negative outpu

prompt 1: explain 3 major ideas from daosim [the Way]

the Way → natural order, cosmos, the universe

goal is for followers of Daoism to “follow the Way”, this entails:

• living in the middle path, balancing their individual lives with the universe

• this concept is foundational in daoism, and is very evident within zhuangzi & daodejing with daodejing mirroring the Way in its elusiveness and hard to explain the mysteries of the universe

prompt 1: explain 3 major ideas from daosim [yin-yang]

yin-yang → showcasing the balance between extremes

the idea of aiming for a balance between the middle path, similar to how yin-yang balance between two extremes: light and dark, femininity & masculinity, etc.

from text (zhuangzi chapter in readings of classical chinese philosophy):
• follow the middle line, complete your life, raise your family, finish your years

prompt 2: compare and contrast confucianism and daoist in 3 points [writing style]

daoism → daodejing

• written in a way that is meant to cause its readers to think unconventionally, mirrors the Way (elusiveness)

• filled with puzzles, analogies, etc.

in text example (readings of classical chinese philosophy): eliminate desires to observe mysteries but also have desires to observe its manifestations

prompt 2: compare and contrast confucianism and daoism in 3 points [self-cultivation]

daoism - wuwei (nonaction) is a large concept where chasing after something isn’t rewarded but often you receive the opposite of what you desire

• in text (chapter 6 of readings of classical chinese philosophy): excessive desire is unnatural and bad, it often will simply lead to an unsatisfying life + chaos

confucianism - big concept of self-cultivation is seen throughout the religion

• aspiring to be good and cultivate yourself in those ways equates to being rewarded

• in text (the analects): nobility and those in power should be there because of their love for learning and aspirations for benevolence

prompt 2: compare and contrast confucianism and daoism in 3 points [society & structure]

daoism - in order to obtain harmony + peace we need to find a balance between ourselves as individuals and the universe

• society’s structure is looked down upon because it breeds greed and desire

• in text (zhuangzi chapter in readings of classical chinese philosophy): follow the middle path, raise your family, live out your years

confucianism - heavy emphasis on society structure, acting with the proper etiquette or ritual (li)

• can be seen in the different social bonds such as parent-child or teacher-student

• maintaining human relationships + social order = harmony + peace

• in text (the analects): comparing us to animals, both humanity and animals can provide nourishment for their parents. however the key difference is the respect we provide our parents

prompt 4: choose 3 of the thinkers and explain the concepts they added/modified within confucianism [mencius]

mencius - added concept that humanity is inherently good

• in text (readings of classical chinese philosophy) metaphor of sprouts and tending to them equating to self-cultivation

• Guarantees the goodness of human nature but doesn’t mean most humans are good as bad environment + lack of self-cultivation

prompt 4: choose 3 of the thinkers and explain the concepts they added/modified within confucianism [xunzi]

xunzi - added concept that humanity is inherently bad

• Ch9 of readings in classical chinese philosophy

  • It isn’t that people naturally delight in evil but people lack any inborn guide to right conduct

  • Without ritual they will fall into wrongdoing & be reduced to chaos

  • Ch 23 human nature is bad -> born with desire to succeed and to gain profit but feelings of greed and ritual

• This is why mentors, teachers, and education is important to prevent chaos

prompt 4: choose 3 of the thinkers and explain the concepts they added/modified within confucianism [zhu xi]

• Focuses on practical application of moral principles for good of society

• Preface to the great learning

  • taught the way of self-cultivation & governances of men through the fathoming of principle and rectifying of the mind

  • shows that you’re a good ruler and you’re paying personal attention to the practice of virtue as individuals

  • providing everyone the teacher-student relationship