LRJ #2

Hui Hoang
Ms.Peifer
English 10 Ib
17 April 2009

Tao Te Ching

The main summary of excerpt one from “Tao Te Ching” is that things spoken of will not be spoken of forever, names that are of importance will not stay important. Things with a name unknown are the creatures with the name known. You must lose all desires to see truth but you must desire to see its beauty. As mysteries unfold new ones come. The main meaning of the excerpt is that things change overtime.
The main summary of excerpt three is if you keep praise to oneself it will keep the praised from disputes with others. If items of value are not valued, no one will steal it. To not display what is desirable sets ones mind at ease. The main meaning of this excerpt is using these methods to rule the people will result in a perfect society where one does not dare act in a foolish way.
The main summary of except nine is that things do not last overtime like a sharp point will lose its sharpness and ones possessions may be plentiful but you won’t be able to experience all in your lifetime. To be arrogant with ones wealth and fame is to bring grievance and misery. To rest when one has finished what he has done will lead to good rewards. The meaning of this excerpt is that one is never perfect and that you must not be lost by your desires or possessions and if you keep working hard your work will pay off.
That main summary of excerpt forty three is one who is obedient can stride through the hardest in the world. One that is obedient will benefit from resorting to not taking action. The main meaning of the excerpt is that on that follows rules will one day exceed those.
Some differences of Confucianism and Taoism is that Confucianism promotes the respect for others and in Taoism they do not promote it as much because of the belief that praising one may lead to another’s dispute “Not to honor men of worth will kepp the people from contention.”(“Tao Te Ching”. Lao Tzu, trans D.C. Lau) In Confucianism they promote the providing of moral examples to others where in Taoism they promote being submissive to exceed others.” The most submissive thing in the world can ride roughshod over the hardest in the world.”( “Tao Te Ching”. Lao Tzu)