Think about what you have learned so far about Confucianism and Daoism.

Which philosophy would create a better society? Why do you think so?

Back your argument up with at least one quote from a primary source (see links below).
The quote you choose should provide evidence for the statements you are making about why you have chosen Confucianism or Daoism.

Your quotes must come from the primary text. The primary text comes below the short introductory explanation; look for the sections with numbered verses. Do not quote from the italicized explanation at the beginning of each reading; they will not count! The goal of this assignment is to get you to work through the poetic language of the primary texts, looking for examples of the concepts we’ve talked about in class. These texts are not simple to understand! You many have to read them more than once.

You must cite your quotes. Use the name of the text (Analects or Daodejing) and the line number in parentheses. For example: “The Master said, ‘Is it not a pleasure, having learned something, to try it out at due intervals?’ (Analects I.1). Any phrases you take from the text must be in quotation marks and cited. You do not need to include the full references (which professors often ask for in a “works cited” section) for this assignment because I already know which texts you’re using.

You may not use any outside sources (beyond the texts I have linked to above) for this assignment. The purpose of this assignment is for you to interact with the primary text.