Fox Spirits: Sharing their values and morals, helping restore humans’ lives.
Foxes, ghosts and other supernatural beings are constantly used in Pu Songling’s Liaozhai Zhiyi to criticize human behavior, administrative and social issues. The way Pu Songling makes use of those beings is by characterized them as connoisseurs of key values to succeed in the human world. However, humans prefer to stay away from these supernatural beings because even though Pu Songling’s narratives present foxes as beautiful women, in reality they are predatory demons who live on by obtaining men’s energy. In addition, foxes are capable of switching between human and animal form to successfully seduce and possess humans. Therefore, whenever a man encounters a fox
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With their knowledge, foxes can help humans in outrageous situations by using their values and try to get the humans acquire them to further have positivity in their lives. But, what are the values that fox spirits have and humans have not acquired? To find out more about the desired values, it is compelling to take a look at Confucianism, Neo-Confucianism and Daoism. It is possible that Pu Songling used those schools of thought to show the values human should have, and that Fox spirits have a knowledge of. Fox spirits have recognized values and moralities as in the following sentences. Ancestor worship and filial piety consist of having respect and nurture parents and older generations. Humaneness as in taking care and concern for other human beings. Ritual consciousness which involves having respect for rituals and do them in the proper way in the deepest sense, as well as continuing being filial to parents even they have passed away. The human relationships such as parent and child, minister and ruler, husband and wife, older and younger brother, friend and friend have to be in harmony and have respect for each other. Humans have to be good social beings, which means to have interactions with other people for society, government reasons, as well as giving public service to the community and learning from one another. Another important value is self-cultivation which is the process of learning and self-improvement to achieve personal and social order, which is greatly acclaimed in Neo-confucianism. Furthermore, good leaders are men with a lot of virtues, because they will be a good example for the community. Lastly, Daoism shows that humans should be “concerned about [their] own affairs, but should also focus on harmonious relationships between human beings and other species” (Xu, Jianliang, 529). Most of these values are often seen in Liaozhai Zhiyi, in
A key difference of the aboriginal culture and the Chinese culture is the difference in the foundation ideology of power system, especially the respect for elders. Confucianism, as part of Chinese defining culture, requires ‘filial piety’ meaning the
The human is the most complex living being on the face of this earth, yet human roots are sometimes forgotten. Through Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, it is clear that animals are the brothers and sisters of the human race. In turn, human habits resemble those of all the living beings which creates unity between all walks of life, determining the same fate for all. A similar concept relates the three works: Living Like Weasels, Shooting an Elephant, and The Death of a Moth by Annie Dillard, George Orwell, and Virginia Woolf respectively. The authors explore the nature of such creatures in order to achieve a better understanding of their motives, all the while gaining insight on the cycle of life.
The Vulpes Vulpes (the red fox) adapt well to suburban and rural communities. Large predators have been pushed away from areas with humans however, red foxes “took advantage of the changed habitat”. “They live in parks and woodland edges and red foxes will readily eat whatever is available. Red foxes are solitary, so it is easy for them to hide and escape people” (National wildlife federation https://www.nwf.org/Wildlife/Wildlife-Library/Mammals/Red-Fox.aspx). Red foxes can be found throughout the United States from Alaska to Florida. The smallest population is in the Southwest, where it is not common to see a red fox. In New York state, a lot of red foxes can be found in places like upstate, long island and new Jersey in forests and therefore
Western and Confucian Ethics have many differences, starting with the concept of ritual practice. Early in Ames writing he states, “There are variable degrees of personalization in ritual practices, and the roles they establish are hierarchical. These roles form a kind of social syntax.” (Ames, 200) In order to understanding ritual practice, the five bonds in relationships in hierarchical order are ruler to ruled, father to son, husband to wife, elder brother to younger bother and friend to friend. Once you understand the significant of the hierarchical roles more enlightenment come in understanding the ritual life of the Chinese. Further Ames says, “Ritual preserves and transmits culture. Ritual socializes a person and makes one a member
For example, the Analects of government, sage, virtue, and manners give a sense of teachings and positive philosophies to follow in order to become a good ruler and obtaining and giving respect. While the Classics and ideals of popper conduct, political peace, moral power, love and ideal humanity help to reinforce the Analects by giving an ideology of a humanism. As Confucian gives words of wisdom of establish a community who should act only when necessary, use knowledge for the benefit of all, and to live in peace in order to developed a stronger culture. Confucius gives the Chinese people a focus on the cultivation of virtue and maintenance of ethics, creating a community of righteousness and moral disposition to do good and how one should act in a community. Overall, Confucianism is a source of values, the social code of the Chinese, and a substance of
Chinese philosophy is dominated by a set of so-called Confucian values. These values, inherent in Chinese thought, were pushed forward by Confucius himself during his life time in an effort to propose a better, guided way of leadership. While Confucian values stress the naturally good nature of man, they stand in direct opposition to the writings of Han Feizi, a legalist philosopher under the first emperor of China. For the Legalists, the nature of man must be stressed as evil, and combatted under that assumption. Han Feizi and Confucius take two different stances regarding man’s true nature, and in these differing stances propose varying guidelines for how a state and its leader should act. Confucianism, under the belief of limited action,
The ancient Chinese introduced three major religious views—Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism—during the “hundred schools” era, but Confucianism was by far the most influential upon the Chinese population. The major belief of Confucianism was that an individual’s affairs would prosper if they acted in accordance with their Dao, which was unique to each person depending on their individual role in life. An individual’s Dao was centered around the concept of duty and the idea of humanity. It was thought that there was a responsibility of all humans to base their own aspirations and interests upon the broader need of their family and/or community. Therefore, each individual would not only prosper themselves, but also prosper the other individuals surrounding them as well, creating a more stable community. It was also thought that each individual should have compassion and empathy towards one another, promoting good behavior from all individuals and fostering tolerance among communities. The concept of duty and idea of humanity brought about by the Confucian beliefs had a powerful influence on not only individuals, but the community as a whole through individual actions, having a great impact upon Chinese society and stabilizing it as a whole.
Children in Ancient China had different expectations laid out for them, mostly dependent on gender and age. One of the most important values instilled in children was respect. Children were expected to respect authority figures above all, but also to respect those in their immediate family. Religion and philosophies in Ancient China played a major role in what was expected of Chinese children. Expectations also varied depending on the child’s social status. Confucianism in particular is acknowledged as the major influence in the daily lives of Chinese people, but especially children.
One of the oldest philosophies in Chinese history is Confucianism. At the time of the warring states, Confucius wandered throughout China seeking a ruler who accepted the Confucian way. Since then, his ideas grew and are still relevant today. Throughout time other philosophers, Mengzi and Xunzi, have interpreted Confucius’ teachings and have long debated whether human nature is good or bad. I argue that human nature is not, as Mengzi believes, inherently good, instead, completely self-interested.
We have covered the general accounts of human nature found in Confucianism and Taoism in light of the historical backdrop of the Period of Warring States. Use your responses to the following general questions below as an opportunity to refer either to the Smith text and accompanying assigned scriptures(s), Smith video(s) on China, Confucianism, and Taoism, or any additional material covered in class. Look ahead to the next question on the chun tzu in order to plan on avoiding repetition of answers verbatim within each essay if there are areas of potential overlap.
Confucianism and Taoism are some of the major religions in China. They have greatly influenced the culture of the Chinese people as well as their world view. The connection between the two religions has influenced many people over time. It can also be said that when the principles of both philosophies are put together, the outcome is a well-rounded person. The following is a discussion of the principles and philosophies behind these two religions as well as how the two religions interact and connect to influence an individual.
These relationships are upheld to create a mutual respect and trust between the people involved. The five Confucian virtues are Ren/Jen (Humanness), Shu (Reciprocity), Li (Propriety), Wen (Culture), and Xiao (Filial Piety). The virtues are used as a way instill social harmony. It is ultimately the goal to create a Junzi/ Chun tzu, or the “ideal personality”, which is referred to as the ideal human being. Taoism has the main teachings of Tao, wu wei (or effortlessness), simplicity, gentleness, and relativity. Tao, which is recognized in Confucianism as well, has many meanings and can be translated as “existence,” “pattern,” and “process.” Wu wei recommends that one must not seek unnecessary actions. Simplicity, as it sounds, urges to eliminate the artificial from our lives and to embrace what nature grants us; because of simplicity, they prefer not to seek out unnecessary higher education unlike Confucianism. Gentleness shows that a wise person does not seek violence. And finally, relativity teaches that one must not use a limited view point based on their own concerns. Thusly, Confucianism preaches the importance of upholding one’s relationships with others; meanwhile, Taoism advocates a harmonious, natural, and peaceful universe.
Confucianism and Daoism are two influential schools of thoughts that have existed in ancient China around the 6th century BCE. The former, led by the politician and philosopher Confucius, proposed that humans live in society according to a set of predefined rules and that they transform society through political action. Whereas the latter, led by the philosopher Lao-Tzu, promoted the idea of inaction; people should go with the flow instead of taking action to control their lives and dominate their surroundings. Although, at first glance Daoism and Confucianism seem to be two opposing philosophies, a more in depth analysis of two of their key ideas –filial piety and education—reveals that they do share some similarities.
When Western people think of Confucianism, they often think of it in a past sense- as something only relevant to ancient China that cannot be applied to modern day society. However, what these people fail to realize is that Confucianism’s roots have been so integrated into China’s society that the values have become a part of every day life. Without having to explicitly state that they are following specifics aspects of Confucianism, most Chinese people submit to them, often times unknowingly. However, Confucian values not only exist in the Chinese society, but also permeate into other areas of Chinese culture such as architecture and aspects of Feng-Shui.
China has about five thousand years history which is a very long period of time. Also, the Chinese civilization was growing with these periods of time and it will continues greater than ever. Many wars and unhappinesses were happening during this period. Although, the time has passed, the histories and the civilizations have not passed. These family virtues, serious, working attitudes, sense of justice and the great Confucian tradition have been deeply assimilated into the Chinese people. Some Chinese traditions are different from North American’s. The Chinese culture has many special characteristics which are very interesting for people to learn.