REL feedback5

The first Taoists were individualists who abandoned society as hopelessly lost. They viewed social life as burdensome, weighing people down with duties and obligations to family and others. These cause more unhappiness than happiness. They saw the Tao as the way of nature, uncorrupted by human culture. Hence they took to living as self-sufficient hermits in the woods, seeking their own happiness, freedom, and peace by living alone in harmony with nature.

What do you think? Is society good or bad for the individual? Are the duties and conventions of Confucianism a help or hindrance to people? Why?

Writer1

In general, society is good for people. By general, I mean the mainstream society, or the majority of the group that practices good morals, values and tenets; one which is non-destructive and positive. There are sub groups of societies that are evil, hate-promoting people that are apart from the “norm”. For some that prefer to be with themselves and are non-social beings, the way of life of the early Taoists would be fitting. It is appropriate for the individual’s needs and preferences. However, becoming a hermit as some did, would hinder the people’s opportunity to learn new things and grow, which I feel could cause depression and then sickness. I feel that if one removes themselves from society in every way, it may shorten their life greatly.

Writer 2

I don't think society is "bad" for individuals in a whole, but I do think society makes it hard for individuals to feel like they belong. Society has put so many stigmas on "who" someone should try to be, "where" they should live, "how" they should act/react to or in certain situations or places, and "what" they should give or take in this world. Just as society has its downfalls it all has its perks. One of the luxuries of living in this society today is the pure beauty of being FREE. We are each individually free to make choices that suite us. Regardless to if one side of society deems it unacceptable, the other side does. No matter which way you go you will always have a place to fit and spot to fill in society. Shutting yourself off from the world because of "society's" perspective is not the answer. Make your choices and live your life to your own standards...at least that's what I do.

I thinks the duties and conventions of Confucianism is a little bit of both. Confucianism clearly calls for living a life based on how they should treat people and themselves. A very high standard of morals! In one way its a huge help to people, especially in our society today! If we adapted the Confucius way of living there would be a uproar of good deeds all across and sense and drive to want to do & live better amongst our neighbors. On the other hand it could become hindrance to those who practice when they constantly encounter those who don't. Pretty soon the individual will find this lifestyle and way of thinking is pointless.