Western and Eastern Thought

Western Thought

Individualistic culture; focus on individual as distinct from others

Western Thought

Sees the world in dualities—creator vs. creation, self vs. others; self is recognized as separate and independent

Eastern Thought

Collectivist culture; views others and creations as extensions of the self

Eastern Thought

Life is a drama where everyone is interconnected with specific roles; asian culture

Asian culture

Wherein group and social relationships are prioritized over individual desires

Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism

Self in Major Asian Philosophies

Confucianism

Its ultimate goal is self-cultivation; cultivated self = subdued self (wherein personal needs are repressed for the good of many)

Confucianism

Its society is hierarchical to maintain order and balance; its ethical code lies on how one should act properly based to relationship with people

Tao

The universe

Taoism

Live in the way of the universe; no fixed definition

Taoism

Rejects Confucian hierarchy and strictness; prefer simple lifestyle and its teaching aim to describe how to attain that life

Taoism

Wherein self is viewed as part of the universe, not just family/community; selflessness—balanced life with nature and society, openness to change, freedom from prejudice and egocentric ideas, and equality and harmony among beings

Buddhism

Self is an illusion born from ignorance, of trying to hold and control things, and human-centered needs

Self

Source of suffering, according to Buddhism

Nirvana

Goal of Buddhism; freedom from suffering