Expert: Jennifer - 11/26/2001

Question
I was wondering how these two religions(?) differ on views of individuals

Answer
Before I answer your question, I will like to let you to know that Confucianism does not contain all of the elements of some other religions, like Christianity and Islam. It is primarily an ethical system to which rituals at important times during one's lifetime have been added. But it does belive that people should have the following qualities:

Li: includes ritual, propriety, etiquette, etc.
Xiao: love within the family: love of parents for their children and of children for their parents
Yi: righteousness
Xin: honesty and trustworthiness
Ren: benevolence, humaneness towards others; the highest Confucian virtue
Zhong: loyalty to the state, etc.

Taoists believe that people are compassionate by natureand they will show this compassion without expecting a reward.

Thank you for the question.