Similarities Between Socrates And Confucius - 1324 Words

Socrates and Confucius were early thinkers who questioned and reevaluated societal norms and beliefs, in eagerness for answers to humanity. Socrates and Confucius questioned if the society around them detracted them, as well as others, from being free thinkers. Although Confucius’ teachings were more openly embraced by those around him compared to those of Socrates region, both sought the power of knowledge and desire to spread wisdom. Using Plato’s Apology and The Analects of Confucius, this essay will argue that these great thinkers compelled men in their societies to face their own shortcomings, and recognize that implementing change and acceptance, through learning, catalyzes self-growth. Refusing to acknowledge ignorance, further†¦show more content†¦In doing so, men will then have the ability to successfully grow their mindset and engage in learning opportunities. Men must be able to set their pride aside and admit to their pretense of understanding, otherwise, they will remain stagnant and fail to find the answers to refinement. After facing denial, conceding to one’s own oblivion makes the pursue of wisdom more accessible and have a lasting impact. Socrates accepts himself as the wisest man in Athens because compared to the man who â€Å"knows nothing and thinks that he knows, [Socrates] neither know[s] nor thinks that [he] know[s],† therefore, by embracing the lack of knowledge, Socrates, and those who follow in his steps, are able to accelerate their education. Once a man has decided that he does not know enough or has not questioned what goes on around him enough, he will then be more eager to advance his enlightenment and remain curious . As Confucius said, â€Å"a scholar must be strong and resolute,† a scholar must â€Å"store up knowledge . . . [and] remain forever hungry for learning.† The acquisition of comprehending thought provoking ideas is a great challenge. Unless there is a lack of unwillingness, due to the avoidance of evident ignorance, gaining knowledge stems from the inquiry of fundamental ideas, while using personal reasoning to challenge them, rather than accepting to believe what is right to someone else. At times, furthering an education can be overwhelming andShow MoreRelatedSimilarities Between Socrates And Confucius818 Words   |  4 PagesTitle The texts of Socrates and Confucius examine what it means to live the good life. Although, the texts have similarities, especially in clarifying what the good life isn’t, their philosophies on how to obtain the good life differ greatly. Additionally, the two texts are even ambiguous on what living the good life truly means, so it is first necessary to identify what the good life is. The philosophies share the thought that following the instructions to live the good life will benefit theRead MoreSocrates And Confucius As Teachers3484 Words   |  14 PagesSocrates and Confucius as Educators Neither Confucius nor Socrates were regarded widely in their lifetimes as highly valuable and distinguished men. Their fates were colored with tragic hues, but their ethics have survived them and become immortalized as treasures of world culture. Socrates had a formative influence on Western philosophy, and he emphasized logical method, the meaning of human experience, and the quest for eudaimonia through moral excellence. His famous paradox, that no one does wrongRead MorePlato and Confucius4610 Words   |  19 Pagesinfluence of Jesus and Socrates’ (3). On the surface, there are many similarities between Confucius and Plato. Both taught through means of dialogue, and both expressed reticence to provide direct definitions. 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