1. 2 Great Chinese Philosophers Confucius & Lao Tzu

2. Lao Tzu – Father of Taoism Lived in the 500’s BC Wrote the main Taoist book – the Taote Ching

3. As legend goes, Lao Tzu was the keeper of the archives at the imperial court. However, in his older age, he became more and more saddened that men were unwilling to follow the path to natural goodness.

4. Thus, at 80 years of age, he left the court and set out on the back of a water buffalo to leave China. At the border a guard asked him to record his teachings before he left. It was at this point that he wrote the Tao Te Ching (The way and Its Power).

5. His teachings… Harmony with the Tao (way of nature) …therefore, harmony with nature is the ultimate goal of Taoism Turn from human pursuits Do nothing but follow the natural forces…take what life gives you and make the most of it By doing nothing, one could accomplish everything

6. Today’s clichés that could possibly express Taoism… Go with the flow If life gives you lemons, make lemonade Can you think of any clichés that could express Taoism?

7. Another Taoism belief… The Taoist has no ambitions, therefore he can never fail. He who never fails always succeeds. And he who always succeeds is all- powerful. What do you think, do you agree with this philosophy?

8. Seek not happiness too greedily, and be not fearful of happiness. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. People are difficult to govern because they have too much knowledge. A good manager is best when people barely know that he exists. Not so good when people obey and acclaim him. Worse when they despise him. Quotes from Lao Tzu…

9. Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough.

10. Let’s summarize… What was Lao Tzu’s main philosophy? Now, let’s look at Confucius…

11. Confucius 551-479 BC Kongfuzi – later called Confucius by Europeans Was not a religious leader nor did he claim any special divine status – rather he was a teacher

12. –Importance of moral character –Individuals must take responsibility for their society –Society worked best when everyone respected laws and behaved according to their position …ALSO, when those in superior positions ruled with respect and kindness Rulers superior to subjects Father superior to children Men superior to women Developed a new philosophy…

13. After his death, his students wrote down his teachings in a book called the Analects The teachings of Confucius remained important in Chinese education until the Communist Revolution in 1945

14. Confucius sayings… The superior man is modest in his speech but exceeds in his actions. He who merely knows right principles is not equal to him who loves them. If you enjoy what you do, you'll never work another day in your life. Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it.

15. Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses. I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. When we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves. Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.

16. Words and people to know… Lao Tzu Confucius Tao Taoism Analects Tao Te Ching