Philosophy: Confucius, Aristotle, Lao-Tzu, and Zeno

By Philip Rivaldi

In this convenient guide, several ancient, famous philosophers will be covered, so you may get a better understanding of the ancestors who have shaped our ideas and theories before we were born.



Confucius has definitely left a mark on the world of Eastern philosophy. His ideas were revolutionary and impressive enough for people to follow him, record his works, and start a group of devoted followers. In the first chapter, more light will be shed on this.



The second philosopher mentioned in this guide, is Aristotle, a sharp-minded, focused thinker who received a name with fame. His clinical examinations and his references to Plato and Socrates are known in Greek history.



Third in line is a Chinese thinker named Lao-Tzu, a theorist of the pre-Confucian era who, although he was aware of the power of silence, made sure others knew of his view on life. His influence on Taoism was prevalent.



Last but not least is Zeno, the creator of the Stoic School of philosophy in Athens, teaching that the Logos was the best thing to hold on to in life. His studies have rampantly been acknowledged by some of the greatest thinkers in European history.



I invite you to take a closer look at these great men and their intricate ideas today.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Efalon Acies
• Release date: Oct 9, 2020
• ISBN: 9791220205856

Book preview

Philosophy

Confucius, Aristotle, Lao-Tzu, and Zeno

By Philip Rivaldi

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Confucius

Chapter 2: Aristotle

Chapter 3: Lao-Tzu

Chapter 4: Zeno of Citium

Chapter 1: Confucius

Confucius (or Kongzi) was a Chinese philosopher who was alive in the sixth century BCE and whose ideas, uttered in the philosophy of Confucianism, have impacted Chinese civilization all the way up to the present day. Confucius has become a bigger than life figure and it is difficult to separate the reality from the myths. He is seen as the very first instructor and his teachings are usually uttered in short phrases which are open to various interpretations. Chief among his philosophical ideas is the significance of a virtuous life, filial piety and ancestor worship. Also emphasized is the need for good-hearted and frugal rulers, the importance of inner moral consistency and its direct connection with consistency in the real world and that rulers and mentors are necessary good example for broader society.

Confucius' Early life

Confucius is actually believed to have lived from c. 551 to c. 479 BCE in the state of Lu (now Shandong or Shantung). Yet, the earliest written record of him dates from some four hundred years after his death in the Historic Records of Sima Qian (or Si-ma Ts' ien). Raised in the city of Qufu (or K' u-fou), Confucius worked for the Prince of Lu in different capabilities, especially as the Director of Public Works in 503 BCE and then the Director of the Justice Department in 501 BCE. Somewhat later, he travelled widely in China and consulted with several minor experiences including imprisonment for five days due to a case of incorrect identity. Confucius met the event with normal restraint and was said to have calmly played his stringed instrument until the mistake was discovered. Eventually, Confucius returned to his home town where he developed his own school in order to provide students with the teachings of the ancients. Confucius did not consider himself a 'creator' but rather a 'transmitter' of these ancient moral traditions. Confucius' school was also open to all classes, rich and poor.

Confucius' Functions

It was even though he was teaching in his school that Confucius began to write. Two collections of poetry were the Book of Odes (Shijing or Shi king) and the Book of Files (Shujing or Shu king). The Spring and Fall Records (Lin Jing or Lin King), which told the history of Lu, and the Book of Changes (Yi Jing or Yi king) was a collection of writings on divination. Regrettably for posterity,

Reviews for Philosophy

[Miriam Green · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The main message of the book spoke to me. I do not read as many books I should, but I was not really disappointed with this particular work. It has actually helped me a ton. So, with this being said, I do recommend it.