WORLD RELIGIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -Confucianism deals with social matters, while Taoism concerns itself with the search for meaning. They share common beliefs about man, society, and the universe, although these notions were around long before either philosophy. Both began as philosophies, each later taking on religious overtones.

Detailed explanation-2: -The ruler’s main function in the Confucian state was to educate and transform the people. This was ideally accomplished not by legal regulation and coercion, but by personal rule, moral example, and mediation in disputes by the emperor and his officials.

Detailed explanation-3: -Daoists have historically had a variety of relationships to political power, but, in general, Daoists stayed away from matters of government, preferring to live naturally and simply. Similarly, wealth, status, and fame were all no-nos.

Detailed explanation-4: -Confucianism encourages active relationships and a very active government as a fundamentally good force in the world; Daoism encourages a simple, passive existence, and little government interference with this pursuit. Despite these differences, many Chinese found them compatible, hence practiced both simultaneously.