Confucianism Essay -- essays research papers

Confucianism Mencius vs Hsun TzuIs man naturally good or is he evil? This question has not only been pondered by innumerable philosophers, but also by religious leaders around the world. Most often a single religious faith believes in either ane or the other, and often these beliefs tend to create a certain world-view which dictates much of the faith. However, in some cases such as the one I will be discussing, two religious dignitaries do not agree and the repercussions of this can be found throughout the theology. The two men are Mencius, an early pupil of Confucius and Hsun Tzu, a later follower of the same faith. Mencius believed that each man, born of woman, would be naturally good and Hsun Tzu believed almost the complete opposite. Through Mencius and Hsun Tzu&8217s differing beliefs on human record a completely different world view was formed for each and it&8217s effect on their ideas and more importantly a young religion were apparent. Before venturing into the essay, h owever, I would like to consider where this religion originated, and the meanings for it&8217s existence as to better equip us to understand it&8217s views. Confucianism as a religion was founded by Confucius, a man. It involves no superior beings other than man himself, and deals specifically with the interactions between fellow men. It also specializes on the actions a government (King) should present for it&8217s people. The religion was founded by Confucian himself, he lived from 551 B.C.E. to approximately 479 B.C.E.. He was just a man with an opinion. His opinion sprung from his unhappiness with society and the fall it had taken from what it had been. It had changed to an empire where values were ignored, and the past was just that, the past. He foresaw a proud China with values restored, and humility made once again important. Confucian&8217s main ideas were to adapt the good things from the past to the technology of today. The &8220good things he speaks of are a government where the King is like a loving bring to the people, where the King would protect his people and the people in turn would follow the King. ... ... only an idea but a standard to be followed for all Chinese youth. An easy way to see the differences between Mencius and Hsun Tzu is this, Mencius believed that nature was good and nurture was important only to re-enforce what was already there. While Hsun Tzu believed that nature was bad and that the nurturing effects of teaching method and work were the only way to overcome mans natural disadvantage.Their constantly disagreeing nature has forced many Confucian&8217s to examine their faith more on an individual basis and made Confucianism a religion for the thinkers, not just the faithful worshipers.In Conclusion, the works of Mencius and Hsun Tzu drastically altered how many people though of the Confucian usance and how governments of the time were run. By the end of their lives Confucianism was a strong and stable religion that h as survived even up to now, and it&8217s beliefs continue to grow as the world does. powerful speakers like this show various parallels to saints and profits in the Catholic faith and maybe even miniature representations of Gods in faiths like Hinduism. Their impact was at to the lowest degree as large as any of those. Footnotes