Narrative Essay about Stoicism and Confucianism

That is how I feel about life! Yet philosophers have coined terminologies for various principles or approaches in philosophizing or discovering the truth regarding life. Western philosophers were steadfast in using individualistic experience and logical, theory-based reasoning, while eastern philosophers were sticking to communal perspectives and faith-based convictions to understand the meaning of life. This is what I have been recently learning in my philosophy class. As someone with a bundle of viewpoints, I believe I am willing to exercise, if currently not, a combination of western and eastern philosophy.

Stoicism is one of the philosophies I was interested in talking about when I first heard of it. Stoicism is deliberated to help people live their lives to the fullest through maximizing positive emotions, minimizing negative emotions, and being virtuous to earn enduring happiness (Rad, 2021). It was discussed that this philosophy features morality, value, calmness, and emotional fortitude. Given this, I also want to achieve happiness through living in virtuousness and fortitude.

There are a few statements quoted by notable stoics that inspired me to be one. As said by Marcus Aurelius, “Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be One.” This speaks to me to spend less time contemplating and go out into the real world and live by my beliefs, to be virtuous.

Another saying by another philosopher, Seneca states “No person has the power to have everything they want, but it is in their power not to want what they do not have, and to cheerfully put to good use what they do have.” As I digested this passage, I realized that one thing that is keeping me away from happiness is discontentment. A Stoic person finds happiness in everything. He strives not to suffer in what he lacks but delights in what he possesses. Gratefulness is a virtue I would love to foster with this philosophy.

I also believe that the teachings of Confucius are the help in times of need. Confucianism places importance on self-transformation, devoting ourselves to kicking off bad habits and cultivating the five constant virtues, namely benevolence, ritual propriety, righteousness, wisdom, and integrity (The School of Life, 2015).

The golden rule of Confucianism is so common to the point that many people know it yet does not apply it, and I want to transform myself to become the best version possible. The golden rule states that do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself. I reflected that I should be courteous and do the good on others so the same treatment would be given to me, resulting in a harmonious society.

There are also philosophical quotes or ideas from Confucius that motivated me to live happily while helping others live theirs happily too. The statement “it does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop,” reminds me of situations where I try to develop new skills or habits, I always start fast and strong which ends up draining my energy and will. I should persevere, keep my pace constant, and keep the ball rolling until the finish line.

Confucius also taught us that we should respect and be obedient to honorable people. Social hierarchy is evident in today’s world, from a son to his father, a student to his teacher, and a countryman to his country leaders, I believe that there should be integrity all the time and to communicate with respect. I have experienced being a leader and a member, and I realized that others are meant to lead, and others are meant to follow. And I see myself as a great follower and this philosophy teaches me to be a grass that bends when the wind blows.

“The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.” This advice is explicit, and I can apply it in my online classes, to speak up and ask questions, so I will not be a fool of the same things in the next years or so. Lastly, the quote “Don’t complain about the snow on your neighbor’s roof when your own doorstep is unclean,” urges me to learn my mistakes and shortcomings rather than nitpicking others’ affairs. I sometimes find fault in other people even in the smallest details and I want to change this attitude of mine to become more harmonious with society.

Stoicism and Confucianism have the same motives — to push its believers that happiness can be found in living life morally upright. I want to change my ways of living life to contribute to societal betterment and lead an example to others that doing the good brings up the mood. I plan to dig deeper into these philosophies through reading articles and books and watching YouTube documentaries and explanatory videos to boost my understanding and guide myself in practicing these philosophies in the modern world.