Confucious and the golden rule, East meets west - Coursework Example

On Philosophies Full Confucius is well-known for his guide to living which s, “What you do not want done to yourself, do not do unto others”. Other teachers have expressed such perspective as well but in different manners. For instance, Jesus taught in Matthew 7:12 that “whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them”. At first glance the two quotes can be interpreted to be the same however, a deeper analysis will allow readers to see a great difference. One is negated while the other is stated positively.

Confucius’ statement suggests inactivity while Jesus encourages action. From the Chinese philosopher’s perspective, a person who does not want to be hurt should not hurt others. On the other hand, Jesus implies that if you do not want to be harmed, do good to others because if you are good, then other people will give you back the same treatment. As an individual, I live by the same rule of Jesus because I strongly agree that people should be active participants in their community in making it a peaceful and harmonious place to live in.

I recognize the view of Confucius that people should not do to others what they do not want others do to them. However, I am more inclined to strongly concur with Jesus’ point of view because it is not only stated positively but it also encourages an active participation of a person. I firmly believe that we need to stay away from doing dreadful things as Confucius interjects but in order to minimize if not eliminate awful situations, we have to actively do excellent things. According to Tao, the best man benefits all things just like water does.

Where there is water, life abounds and the same is true with the best man. Tao says that the best man is selfless, able to benefit the people around him and does not compete with them. Instead, he is able to see identify a need and does something to meet the need without thinking about what he should gain from it or what he is going to lose if he needs to spend a lot of time and money in accomplishing the task. The best man, despite his commendable attributes will remain humble and simply continues to exist influence his community in a positive manner.

Humility is that place which Tao says the water goes to which all disdain. Indeed, through the different centuries, only a handful strove to do good and still remain quiet about what they did. Most people set their goals high and do mighty works and above all their achievements, they want to be recognized and exalted. Nevertheless, the best man takes a different route. He gives himself unselfishly without thinking about money, fame and glory but he maintains his humility and would rather disappear in the limelight so he could go to more distressed places where he can help more people.

Just like water, the best man allows himself to be absorbed into the earth, nourishing everything it touches. Environmentalists who are fighting for the cause of mother earth may or may not be knowingly implementing a Taoist philosophy. As Tao mentions, the best man in his dwelling loves the earth. This means that he is not only concerned about other people’s welfare but he is also mindful of the needs of the earth he lives in. I believe that Tao perceives the perfect man similar to water which does not only provide life and sustenance to people but to other living things as well and the earth that he lives in.

Therefore, he should also take care of the environment and be responsible enough to keep the waters, air and the earth clean. Tao encourages men to live and to recognize that they also have to obligation of letting other creatures live in harmony with them.